Section 4. _and Be It Further Resolved_, That the President of

the United States be authorized and requested to have a medal of gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, and presented to General Taylor, in the name of the Republic, as a tribute to his good conduct, valor, and generosity to the vanquished.

Approved July 16, 1846.

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General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

To Headquarters, Army of Occupation, THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Camp at Palo Alto, Texas, Washington, D. C. May 9, 1846.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I was met near this place yesterday, on my march from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and, after an action of about five hours, dislodged them from their position and encamped upon the field. Our artillery consisting of two eighteen-pounders and two light batteries, was the arm chiefly engaged, and to the excellent manner in which it was manoeuvred and served is our success mainly due.

The strength of the enemy is believed to have been about (p. 283) 6000 men, with seven pieces of artillery and 800 cavalry. His loss is probably at least one hundred killed. Our strength did not exceed, all told, twenty-three hundred, while our loss was comparatively trifling: four men killed, three officers and thirty-seven men wounded, several of the latter mortally. I regret to say that Major Ringgold, 2d Artillery, and Captain Page, 4th Infantry, are severely wounded. Lieutenant Luther, 2d Artillery, slightly so.

The enemy has fallen back, and it is believed has repassed the river. I have advanced parties now thrown forward in his direction, and shall move the main body immediately.

In the haste of this report, I can only say that the officers and men behaved in the most admirable manner throughout the action. I shall have the pleasure of making a more detailed report when those of the different commanders shall be received.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A., commanding.

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General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, Camp at Resaca de la Palma, 3 miles from Matamoros, To 10 o'clock P.M., May 9, 1846. THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I marched with the main body of the army at two o'clock to-day, having previously thrown forward a body of light infantry into the forest, which covers the Matamoros road. When near the spot where I am now encamped, my advance discovered that a ravine crossing the road had been occupied by the enemy with artillery. I immediately ordered a battery of field artillery to sweep the position, flanking and sustaining it by the 3d, 4th, and 5th regiments, deployed as skirmishers to the right and left. A heavy fire of artillery and of musketry was kept up for some time, until finally the enemy's batteries were carried in succession by a squadron of dragoons and the regiments of infantry that were on the ground. He was soon driven from his position, and pursued by a squadron of dragoons, battalion of artillery, 3d Infantry, and a light battery, to the river. Our victory has been complete. Eight pieces of artillery, with a great quantity of ammunition, three standards, and some one hundred prisoners have been taken; among the latter, General La Vega, and several other officers. One general is understood to have been killed. The enemy has recrossed the river, and I am sure will not again molest us on this bank.

The loss of the enemy in killed has been most severe. Our (p. 284) own has been very heavy, and I deeply regret to report that Lieutenant Inge, 2d Dragoons, Lieutenant Cochrane, 4th Infantry, and Lieutenant Chadbourne, 8th Infantry, were killed on the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Payne, 4th Artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel McIntosh, Lieutenant Dobbins, 3d Infantry; Captain Hoe and Lieutenant Fowler, 5th Infantry; and Captain Montgomery, Lieutenants Gates, Selden, McClay, Burbank, and Jordan, 8th Infantry, were wounded. The extent of our loss in killed and wounded is not yet ascertained, and is reserved for a more detailed report.

The affair of to-day may be regarded as a proper supplement to the cannonade of yesterday; and the two taken together, exhibit the coolness and gallantry of our officers and men in the most favorable light. All have done their duty, and done it nobly. It will be my pride, in a more circumstantial report of both actions, to dwell upon particular instances of individual distinction.

It affords me peculiar pleasure to report that the field-work opposite Matamoros has sustained itself handsomely during a cannonade and bombardment of 160 hours. But the pleasure is alloyed with profound regret at the loss of its heroic and indomitable commander, Major Brown, who died to-day from the effect of a shell. His loss would be a severe one to the service at any time, but to the army under my orders it is indeed irreparable. One officer and one non-commissioned officer killed, and ten men wounded, comprise all the casualties incident to this severe bombardment.

I inadvertently omitted to mention the capture of a large number of pack-mules left in the Mexican camp.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. A., commanding.

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General Order Congratulating the Army.

Head Quarters, Army of Occupation, Resaca de la Palma, May 11, 1846.

The commanding general congratulates the army under his command upon the signal success which has crowned its recent operations against the enemy. The coolness and steadiness of the troops during the action of the 8th, and the brilliant impetuosity with which the enemy's position and artillery were carried on the 9th, have displayed the best qualities of the American soldier. To every officer and soldier of his command, the general returns his thanks for the noble manner in which they have sustained the honor of the service and of the country. While the main body of the army has been thus actively employed, the garrison left opposite Matamoros has rendered no less distinguished service, by sustaining a severe cannonade and bombardment for many successive days. The army and the country, while justly rejoicing in this triumph of our arms, will deplore the loss of many brave (p. 285) officers and men who fell gallantly in the hour of combat.

It being necessary for the commanding general to visit Point Isabel on public business, Colonel Twiggs will assume command of the corps of the army near Matamoros, including the garrison of the field-work. He will occupy the former lines of the army, making such dispositions for defence and for the comfort of his command as he may deem advisable. He will hold himself strictly on the defensive until the return of the commanding general.

By order of Brig. Gen. Taylor. W. W. BLISS, Act. Adj. Gen.

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General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, To Camp near Matamoros, May 16, 1846. THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.

"Sir: The main body of the Army of Occupation marched under my immediate orders from Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th of May, and bivouacked seven miles from that place.

"Our march was resumed the following morning. About noon, when our advance of cavalry had reached the water-hole of 'Palo Alto,' the Mexican troops were reported in our front, and were soon discovered occupying the road in force. I ordered a halt upon reaching the water, with a view to rest and refresh the men, and to form deliberately our line of battle. The Mexican line was now plainly visible across the prairie, and about three-quarters of a mile distant. Their left, which was composed of a heavy force of cavalry, occupied the road, resting upon a thicket of chapparal, while masses of infantry were discovered in succession on the right, greatly outnumbering our own force.

"Our line of battle was now formed in the following order, commencing on the extreme right: 5th Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel M'Intosh; Major Ringgold's Artillery; 3d Infantry, commanded by Captain L. N. Morris; two eighteen-pounders, commanded by Lieutenant Churchill, 3d Artillery; 4th Infantry, commanded by Major G. W. Allen; the 3d and 4th regiments composed the Third Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland; and all the above corps, together with two squadrons of dragoons, under Captains Ker and May, composed the right wing, under the orders of Colonel Twiggs. The left was formed by the battalion of artillery, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, Captain Duncan's Light Artillery, and the Eighth Infantry, under Captain Montgomery; all forming the First Brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap. The train was parked near the water, under direction of Captains Grossman and Myers, and protected by Captain Ker's squadron.

"About 2 o'clock, we took up the march, by heads of columns, in the direction of the enemy, the eighteen-pounder battery following the road. While the columns were advancing, (p. 286) Lieutenant Blake, Topographical Engineer, volunteered a reconnoissance of the enemy's line, which was handsomely performed, and resulted in the discovery of at least tyro batteries of artillery in the intervals of their cavalry and infantry. These batteries were soon opened upon us, when I ordered the columns halted and deployed into line, and the fire to be returned by all our artillery. The Eighth Infantry, on our extreme left, was thrown back to secure that flank. The first fires of the enemy did little execution, while our eighteen-pounders and Major Ringgold's artillery soon dispersed the cavalry which formed his left. Captain Duncan's battery, thrown forward in advance of the line, was doing good execution at this time. Captain May's squadron was now detached to support that battery and the left of our position. The Mexican cavalry with two pieces of artillery were now reported to be moving through the chapparal to our right to threaten that flank, or make a demonstration against the train. The Fifth Infantry was immediately detached to check this movement, and, supported by Lieutenant Ridgely, with a section of Major Ringgold's battery and Captain Walker's company of volunteers, effectually repulsed the enemy, the Fifth Infantry repelling a charge of lancers, and the artillery doing great execution in their ranks. The Third Infantry was now detached to the right as a still further security to that flank, yet threatened by the enemy. Major Ringgold, with the remaining section, kept up his fire from an advanced position, and was supported by the Fourth Infantry.

"The grass of the prairie had been accidentally fired by our artillery, and the volumes of smoke now partially concealed the armies from each other. As the enemy's left had evidently been driven back, and left the road free, the cannonade having been suspended, I ordered forward the eighteen-pounders on the road nearly to the position first occupied by the Mexican cavalry, and caused the First Brigade to take up a new position still on the left of the eighteen-pounder battery. The Fifth was advanced from its former position and occupied a point on the extreme right of the new line. The enemy made a change of position corresponding to our own, and after suspension of nearly an hour the action was resumed.

"The fire of artillery was now most destructive; openings were constantly made through the enemy's ranks by our fire, and the constancy with which the Mexican infantry sustained this severe cannonade was a theme of universal remark and admiration. Captain May's squadron was detached to make a demonstration on the left of the enemy's position, and suffered severely from the fire of artillery to which it was for some time exposed.

"The Fourth Infantry, which had been ordered to support the eighteen-pounder battery, was exposed to a most galling fire of artillery, by which several men were killed, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. The enemy's fire was directed against our eighteen-pounder battery, and the guns under Major Ringgold in its vicinity. The major himself, while coolly directing the fire of his pieces, was struck by a cannon ball and mortally wounded.

"In the mean time, the Battalion of Artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, had been brought up to support the artillery on our right. A strong demonstration of cavalry was now made by the enemy against this part of our line, and the column continued to advance under a severe fire from the eighteen-pounders. The battalion was instantly formed in square, and held ready (p. 287) ready to receive the charge of cavalry, but when the advancing squadrons were within close range, a deadly fire of canister from the eighteen-pounders dispersed them. A brisk fire of small-arms was now opened upon the square, by which one officer, Lieutenant Luther, 2d Artillery, was slightly wounded, but a well directed volley from the front of the square silenced all further firing from the enemy in this quarter. It was now nearly dark, and the action was closed on the right of our line, the enemy having been completely driven back from his position, and foiled in every attempt against our line.

"While the above was going forward on our right, and under my own eye, the enemy had made a serious attempt against the left of our line. Captain Duncan instantly perceived the movement, and by a bold and brilliant manoeuvring of his battery, completely repulsed several successive efforts of the enemy to advance in force upon our left flank. Supported in succession by the 8th Infantry and Captain Ker's squadron of dragoons, he gallantly held the enemy at bay, and finally drove him, with immense loss, from the field. The action here and along the whole line continued until dark, when the enemy retired into the chapparal in rear of his position. Our army bivouacked on the ground it occupied. During the afternoon the train had been moved forward about half a mile, and was parked in rear of the new position.

"Our loss this day was nine killed, forty-four wounded, and two missing. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold, who has since died, and Captain Page dangerously wounded. Lieutenant Luther slightly so.

"Our own force is shown by the field report to have been 177 officers and 2111 men: aggregate 2288. The Mexican force, according to the statements of their own officers, was not less than 6000 regular troops, with ten pieces of artillery, and probably exceeded that number; the irregular force not known. Their loss was not less than 200 killed and 400 wounded; probably greater. This estimate is very moderate, and formed upon the number actually counted upon the field, and upon the report of their own officers.

"As already reported in my first brief despatch, the conduct of our officers and men was everything that could be desired. Exposed for hours to the severest trial, cannonade of artillery, our troops displayed a coolness and constancy which gave me throughout the assurance of victory.

"I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Brevet Brigadier-General U.S.A., commanding."

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The Secretary of War to Doctor Patterson.

To War Department, DOCTOR R. M. PATTERSON, December 9th, 1846. Director of the United States Mint, Philadelphia.

Sir: By a resolution of Congress, approved the 16th of July last, the President is authorized and requested to have a medal of gold procured, with appropriate devices and inscriptions thereon, (p. 288) and presented to General Taylor. Preliminary arrangements are being made to carry out the object of the resolution, and as soon as a likeness of the general can be procured, the Department will be prepared to place the design of the medal in the hands of the die sinker. In the meantime it is desired to know whether the work can be executed at the Mint, under your direction, and what measures it may be necessary to take to insure a speedy compliance with the resolution. May I request to be furnished with your views on the subject, with such suggestions as may facilitate the object contemplated.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Wm. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.

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Doctor Patterson to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable William L. MARCY, Mint of the United States, Secretary of War. December 12, 1846.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst., regarding the execution of the Medal voted by Congress to General Taylor, and asking me to present "my views on the subject with such suggestions as may facilitate the object contemplated."

I comply cheerfully with this request, and recommend the following measures:

First. That a likeness of General Taylor be procured in profile. A good daguerreotype would answer very well.

Secondly. That a medallion of the head and bust be made in wax, on a plate of about four inches in diameter. Mr. Chapman, of New York, would be competent to make it.

Thirdly. This being done, the remainder of the work required for making the obverse die can be committed to Mr. Franklin Peale, the chief coiner of the Mint. A cast is made from the medallion in iron. This is used as a pattern, and a reduced copy of it is cut in steel, by the action of an apparatus called a portrait lathe, which we have in our possession here.

When the likeness is thus cut on the die, the legend is to be struck in, and will consist, I presume, of the name and title, MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

For the reverse, I would recommend that no emblematic design should be attempted, but that it be composed of a wreath, enclosing the words:

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS JULY 16, 1846. PALO ALTO MAY 8, 1846. RESACA DE LA PALMA MAY 9, 1846.

The medal awarded General Scott presents an example of that which is now suggested.

For the dies thus described (hardened and polished complete), (p. 289) Mr. Peale estimates the whole cost at $600.

For the gold medal the estimate is as follows:

8 oz. fine gold at $20.67 $165.36 Striking and wastage 20.00 Case 5.00 ------- $190.36

Whole cost $790.36

May I venture to make another suggestion? It is, that besides the medal of gold which is sent to General Taylor himself, there be a large number of copies struck in bronze, to be distributed in such manner as may be determined by the War Department.

In this case, it would be necessary to make hubs for the purpose of replacing the dies when injured.

Including this work Mr. Peale presents the following estimates:

500 bronze medals, at $1.50 $750 500 cases, at $1.00 500 ------ $1,250

Mr. Peale asks me to present the medals which are sent with this letter. That in bronze is for yourself, and that in silver gilt we request you to give to the President.

They were made by the process recommended in this letter. The medallion was modelled by Mr. Chapman. You will not fail to observe that the head and shoulder are in too great relief, the former to such an extent as partially to overshadow the features of the face. This is a fault easily avoided in a new medallion.

I beg you to be assured that any services which I can render to you in this matter are fully at your command.

Very respectfully, Your faithful servant, R. M. PATTERSON, Director.

No. 60. (p. 290) PLATE LXI.

September 24, 1846.

Major General Zachary Taylor, . Resolution of Congress March 2nd 1847, etc.

MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

MAJOR GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. Bust of General Taylor, in uniform, facing the right.

Within a wreath of oak: RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 2nd 1847 MONTEREY SEPTEMBER 1846.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Major-General Zachary Taylor, his officers and men, for the fortitude, skill, enterprise, and courage which distinguished the late brilliant military operations at Monterey.

Resolved, That the President be requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid achievement, and presented to General Taylor as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress for his judicious and distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be further requested to cause swords, with suitable devices, to be presented to Major-General Butler, Major-General Henderson, and to Brigadier-General Quitman, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of their gallantry and good conduct in storming Monterey.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be further requested to present a sword, with suitable devices, to the nearest male relative of Brigadier-General Hamer, and to communicate to him the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of a gallant man, whose name ought to live in the (p. 291) recollection and affection of a grateful country.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to General Taylor, and through him, to the army under his command.

Approved March 2d, 1847.

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General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Army of Occupation, To Camp Near Monterey, October 9, 1846. THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have now the honor to submit a detailed report of the recent operations before Monterey, resulting in the capitulation of that city.

The information received on the route from Seralvo, and particularly the continual appearance in our front of the Mexican cavalry, which had a slight skirmish with our advance at the village of Ramas, induced the belief, as we approached Monterey, that the enemy would defend that place. Upon reaching the neighborhood of the city, on the morning of the 19th of September, this belief was fully confirmed. It was ascertained that he occupied the town in force; that a large work had been constructed commanding all the northern approaches; and that the Bishop's Palace, and some heights in its vicinity near the Saltillo road, had also been fortified and occupied with troops and artillery. It was known, from information previously received, that the eastern approaches were commanded by several small works in the lower edge of the city.

The configuration of the heights and gorges in the direction of the Saltillo road, as visible from the point attained by our advance on the morning of the 19th, led me to suspect that it was practicable to turn all the works in that direction, and thus cut the enemy's line of communication. After establishing my camp at the "Walnut Springs," three miles from Monterey, the nearest suitable position, it was, accordingly, my first care to order a close reconnoissance of the ground in question, which was executed on the evening of the 19th by the engineer officers, under the direction of Major Mansfield. A reconnoissance of the eastern approaches was at the same time made by Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer. The examination made by Major Mansfield proved the entire practicability of throwing forward a column to the Saltillo road, and thus turning the position of the enemy. Deeming this to be an operation of essential importance, orders were given to Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, commanding the second division, to march with his command on the 20th; to turn the hill of the Bishop's Palace; to occupy a position on the Saltillo road, and to carry the enemy's detached works in that quarter, where practicable. The first regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, under command of Colonel Hays, was associated with the second division on this service. Captain Sanders, Engineers, and Lieutenant Meade, Topographical Engineers, were also (p. 292) ordered to report to General Worth for duty with his column.

At 2 o'clock P.M., on the 20th, the second division took up its march. It was soon discovered by officers who were reconnoitering the town, and communicated to General Worth, that its movement had been perceived, and that the enemy was throwing reinforcements towards the Bishop's Palace and the height which commands it. To divert his attention as far as practicable, the first division, under Brigadier-General Twiggs, and the field division of volunteers, under Major-General Butler, were displayed in front of the town until dark. Arrangements were made at the same time to place in battery during the night, at a suitable distance from the enemy's main work, the citadel, two twenty-four pounder howitzers, and a ten-inch mortar, with a view to open a fire on the following day, when I proposed to make a diversion in favor of General Worth's movement. The 4th Infantry covered this battery during the night. General Worth had, in the mean time, reached and occupied for the night a defensive position just without range of a battery above the Bishop's Palace, having made a reconnoissance as far as the Saltillo road.

Before proceeding to report the operations of the 21st and following days, I beg leave to state that I shall mention in detail only those which were conducted against the eastern extremity of the city, or elsewhere, under my immediate direction, referring you for the particulars of General Worth's operations, which were entirely detached, to his own full report.

Early on the morning of the 21st, I received a note from General Worth, written at half-past nine o'clock the night before, suggesting what I had already intended, a strong diversion against the centre and left of the town, to favor his enterprise against the heights in rear. The infantry and artillery of the first division, and the field division of volunteers, were ordered under arms and took the direction of the city, leaving one company of each regiment as a camp guard. The 2d Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel May, and Colonel Wood's regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, under the immediate direction of General Henderson, were directed to the right to support General Worth, if necessary, and to make an impression, if practicable, upon the upper quarter of the city. Upon approaching the mortar battery, the 1st and 3d regiments of infantry and battalion of Baltimore and Washington volunteers, with Captain Bragg's field battery, the whole under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, were directed toward the lower part of the town, with orders to make a strong demonstration, and carry one of the enemy's advanced works, if it could be done without too heavy loss. Major Mansfield, Engineers, and Captain Williams and Lieutenant Pope, Topographical Engineers, accompanied this column, Major Mansfield being charged with its direction and the designation of points of attack. In the meantime the mortar, served by Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, and the howitzer battery under Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, had opened their fire upon the citadel, which was deliberately sustained, and answered from the work. General Butler's division had now taken up a position in rear of this battery, when the discharges of artillery, mingled finally with a rapid fire of small arms, showed that Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had become warmly engaged. I now deemed it necessary to support this attack, and accordingly ordered the 4th Infantry and three regiments of General Butler's division, to march at once by the left (p. 293) flank in the direction of the advanced work at the lower extremity of the town, leaving one regiment (1st Kentucky) to cover the mortar and howitzer battery. By some mistake two companies of the 4th Infantry did not receive this order, and consequently did not join the advance companies until some time afterward.

Lieutenant-Colonel Garland's command had approached the town in a direction to the right of the advanced work (No. 1) at the northeastern angle of the city, and the engineer officer, covered by skirmishers, had succeeded in entering the suburbs and gaining cover. The remainder of this command now advanced and entered the town under a fire of artillery from the citadel and the works on the left, and of musketry from the houses and small works in front. A movement to the right was attempted with a view to gain the rear of No. 1, and carry that work, but the troops were so much exposed to a fire which they could not effectually return, and had already sustained such severe loss, particularly in officers, that it was deemed best to withdraw them to a more secure position. Captain Backus, 1st Infantry, however, with a portion of his own and other companies, had gained the roof of a tannery, which looked directly into the gorge of No. 1, and from which he poured a most destructive fire into that work and upon the strong building in its rear. This fire happily coincided in point of time with the advance of a portion of the volunteer division upon No. 1, and contributed largely to the fall of that strong and important work.

The three regiments of the volunteer division, under the immediate command of Major-General Butler, had in the mean time advanced in the direction of No. 1. The leading brigade, under Brigadier-General Quitman, continued its advance upon that work, preceded by three companies of the 4th Infantry, while General Butler, with the first Ohio regiment, entered the town to the right. The companies of the 4th Infantry had advanced within short range of the work, when they were received by a fire that almost, in one moment, struck down one-third of the officers and men, and rendered it necessary to retire and effect a conjunction with the two other companies then advancing. General Quitman's brigade, though suffering most severely, particularly in the Tennessee regiment, continued its advance, and finally carried the work in handsome style, as well as the strong building in its rear. Five pieces of artillery, a considerable supply of ammunition, and thirty prisoners, including three officers, fell into their hands. Major-General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, after entering the edge of the town, discovered that nothing was to be accomplished in his front, and at this point, yielding to the suggestions of several officers, I ordered a retrograde movement; but learning almost immediately from one of my staff that the battery No. 1 was in our possession, the order was countermanded; and I determined to hold the battery and defences already gained. General Butler, with the 1st Ohio regiment, then entered the town at a point farther to the left, and marched in the direction of the battery No. 2. While making an examination, with a view to ascertain the possibility of carrying this second work by storm, the general was wounded and soon after compelled to quit the field. As the strength of No. 2 and the heavy musketry fire flanking the approach rendered it impossible to carry it without great loss, the 1st Ohio regiment was withdrawn from the town.

Fragments of the various regiments engaged were now under (p. 294) cover of the captured battery, and some buildings in its front, and on the right. The field batteries of Captains Bragg and Ridgely were also partially covered by the battery. An incessant fire was kept up on this position from battery No. 2, and other works on its right, and from the citadel on all our approaches. General Twiggs, though quite unwell, joined me at this point, and was instrumental in causing the artillery captured from the enemy to be placed in battery, and served by Captain Ridgely against No. 2, until the arrival of Captain Webster's howitzer battery, which took its place. In the mean time, I directed such men as could be collected of the 1st, 3d, and 4th regiments, and Baltimore battalion, to enter the town, penetrating to the right, and carry the 2d battery if possible. This command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, advanced beyond the bridge "Purisima," when, finding it impracticable to gain the rear of the 2d battery, a portion of it sustained themselves for some time in that advanced position; but as no permanent impression could be made at that point, and the main object of the general operation had been effected, the command, including a section of Captain Ridgely's battery, which had joined it, was withdrawn to battery No. 1. During the absence of this column, a demonstration of cavalry was reported in the direction of the citadel. Captain Bragg, who was at hand, immediately galloped with his battery to a suitable position, from which a few discharges effectually dispersed the enemy. Captain Miller, 1st Infantry, was dispatched with a mixed company to support the battery on this service. The enemy's lancers had previously charged upon the Ohio and a part of the Mississippi regiment, near some fields at a distance from the edge of the town, and had been repulsed with a considerable loss. A demonstration of cavalry on the opposite side of the river was also dispersed in the course of the afternoon by Captain Ridgely's battery, and the squadrons returned to the city. At the approach of evening, all the troops that had been engaged were ordered back to camp, except Captain Ridgely's battery, and the regular infantry of the first division, who were detailed as a guard for the works during the night, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garland. One battalion of the 1st Kentucky regiment was ordered to reinforce this command. Intrenching tools were procured, and additional strength was given to the works, and protection to the men, by working parties during the night, under the direction of Lieutenant Scarritt, Engineers.

The main object proposed in the morning had been effected. A powerful diversion had been made to favor the operations of the 2d Division, one of the enemy's advanced works had been carried, and we now had a strong foot-hold in the town. But this had not been accomplished without a heavy loss, embracing some of our gallant and promising officers. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineers, Lieutenants Terrett and Dilworth, 1st Infantry, Lieutenant Woods, 2d Infantry, Captains Morris and Field, Brevet-Major Barbour, Lieutenants Irwin and Hazlitt, 3d Infantry, Lieutenant Hoskins, 4th Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Watson, Baltimore battalion, Captain Allen and Lieutenant Putman, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Hett, Ohio regiment, were killed, or have since died of wounds received in this engagement, while the number and rank of the officers wounded gives additional proof of the obstinacy of the contest, and the good conduct of our troops. The number of killed and wounded (p. 295) incident to the operations in the lower part of the city on the 21st is 394.

Early in the morning of this day (21st), the advance of the 2d Division had encountered the enemy in force, and after a brief but sharp conflict, repulsed him with heavy loss. General Worth then succeeded in gaining a position on the Saltillo road, thus cutting the enemy's line of communication. From this position the two heights south of the Saltillo road were carried in succession, and the gun taken in one of them turned upon the Bishop's Palace. These important successes were fortunately obtained with comparatively small loss; Captain McKavett, 8th Infantry, being the only officer killed.

The 22d day of September passed without any active operations in the lower part of the city. The citadel and other works continued to fire at parties exposed to their range, and at the work now occupied by our troops. The guard left in it the preceding night, except Captain Ridgely's company, was relieved at midday by General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was thrown under cover in front of the town to repel any demonstration of cavalry in that quarter. At dawn of day the height above the Bishop's Palace was carried, and soon after meridian the palace itself was taken, and its guns turned upon the fugitive garrison. The object for which the 2d Division was detached had thus been completely accomplished, and I felt confident that with a strong force occupying the road and heights in his rear, and a good position below the city in our possession, the enemy could not possibly maintain the town.

During the night of the 22d the enemy evacuated nearly all his defences in the lower part of the city. This was reported to me early in the morning of the 23d by General Quitman, who had already meditated an assault upon those works. I immediately sent instructions to that officer, leaving it to his discretion, to enter the city, covering his men by the houses and walls, and advance carefully as far as he might deem prudent. After ordering the remainder of the troops as a reserve, under the orders of Brigadier-General Twiggs, I repaired to the abandoned works and discovered that a portion of General Quitman's brigade had entered the town, and were successfully forcing their way towards the principal plaza. I then ordered up the 2d regiment of Texas mounted volunteers, who entered the city dismounted, and, under the immediate orders of General Henderson, co-operated with General Quitman's brigade. Captain Bragg's battery was also ordered up, supported by the 3d Infantry; and after firing for some time at the cathedral, a portion of it was likewise thrown into the city. Our troops advanced from house to house, and from square to square, until they reached a street but one square in rear of the principal plaza, in and near which the enemy's force was mainly concentrated. This advance was conducted vigorously, but with due caution, and although destructive to the enemy, was attended with but small loss on our part. Captain Ridgely, in the mean time, had served a captured piece in battery No. 1 against the city, until the advance of our men rendered it imprudent to fire in the direction of the cathedral. I was now satisfied that we could operate successfully in the city, and that the enemy had retired from the lower portion of it to make a stand behind his barricades. As General Quitman's brigade had been on duty the previous night, I determined to withdraw the troops to the (p. 296) evacuated works, and concert with General Worth a combined attack upon the town. The troops accordingly fell back deliberately, in good order, and resumed their original positions, General Quitman's brigade being relieved after nightfall by that of General Hamer. On my return to camp, I met an officer with the intelligence that General Worth, induced by the firing in the lower part of the city, was about making an attack at the upper extremity, which had also been evacuated by the enemy to a considerable distance. I regretted that this information had not reached me before leaving the city, but still deemed it inexpedient to change my orders, and accordingly returned to the camp. A note from General Worth written at eleven o'clock P.M., informed me that he had advanced to within a short distance of the principal plaza, and that the mortar (which had been sent to his division in the morning) was doing good execution within effective range of the enemy's position.

Desiring to make no further attempt upon the city without complete concert as to the lines and mode of approach, I instructed that officer to suspend his advance until I could have an interview with him on the following morning at his head-quarters.

Early on the morning of the 24th, I received, through Colonel Moreno, a communication from General Ampudia, proposing to evacuate the town; which, with the answer, were forwarded with my first despatch. I arranged with Colonel Moreno a cessation of fire until twelve o'clock, at which hour I would receive the answer of the Mexican general at General Worth's head-quarters, to which I soon repaired. In the mean time, General Ampudia had signified to General Worth, his desire for a personal interview with me, to which I acceded, and which finally resulted in a capitulation, placing the town and the material of war, with certain exceptions, in our possession. A copy of that capitulation was transmitted with my first despatch.

Upon occupying the city, it was discovered to be of great strength in itself, and to have its approaches carefully and strongly fortified. The town and works were armed with forty-two pieces of cannon, well supplied with ammunition, and manned with a force of at least 7000 troops of the line, and from 2000 to 3000 irregulars. The force under my orders before Monterey, was 425 officers and 6220 men. Our artillery consisted of one ten-inch mortar, two twenty-four-pounder howitzers, and four light field batteries of four guns each; the mortar being the only piece suitable to the operations of a siege.

Our loss is twelve officers and one hundred and eight men killed; thirty-one officers and three hundred and thirty-seven men wounded. That of the enemy is not known, but is believed considerably to exceed our own.

I take pleasure in bringing to the notice of the government the good conduct of the troops, both regulars and volunteers, which has been conspicuous throughout the operations. I am proud to bear testimony to their coolness and constancy in battle, and the cheerfulness with which they have submitted to exposure and privation. To the general officers commanding divisions, Major-Generals Butler and Henderson, and Brigadier-Generals Twiggs and Worth, I must express my obligations for the efficient aid which they have rendered in their respective commands. I was unfortunately deprived, early on the 21st, of the valuable services of Major-General Butler, who was disabled by a wound received in the attack on the city. Major-General Henderson, commanding the Texan volunteers, has given me important aid (p. 297) in the organization of the command, and its subsequent operations. Brigadier-General Twiggs rendered important services with his division, and as the second in command after Major-General Butler was disabled. Brigadier-General Worth was intrusted with an important detachment which rendered his operations independent of my own. These operations were conducted with ability, and crowned with complete success.

I desire also to notice Brigadier-Generals Hamer and Quitman, commanding brigades in General Butler's division; Lieutenant-Colonels Garland and Wilson, commanding brigades in General Twiggs' division; Colonels Mitchell, Campbell, Davis, and Wood, commanding the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and 2d Texas regiments, respectively; and Majors Lear, Allen, and Abercrombie, commanding the 3d, 4th, and 1st regiments of infantry; all of whom served under my eye, and conducted their commands with coolness and gallantry against the enemy. Colonel Mitchell, Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Mississippi regiment, Major Lear, 3d Infantry, and Major Alexander, Tennessee regiment, were all severely wounded, as were Captain Lamotte, 1st Infantry, Lieutenant Graham, 4th Infantry, Adjutant Armstrong, Ohio regiment, Lieutenants Scudder and Allen, Tennessee regiment, and Lieutenant Howard, Mississippi regiment, while leading their men against the enemy's position, on the 21st and 23d. After the fall of Colonel Mitchell, the command of 1st Ohio regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weller; that of the 3d Infantry, after the fall of Major Lear, devolved in succession upon Captain Bainbridge and Captain Henry, the former being also wounded. The following named officers have been favorably noticed by their commanders: Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, and Adjutant Heiman, Tennessee regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel McClung, Captains Cooper and Downing, Lieutenants Patterson, Calhoun, Moore, Russell, and Cook, Mississippi regiment; also Sergeant-Major Hearlan, Mississippi regiment, and Major Price, and Captain J. Smith, unattached, but serving with it. I beg leave also to call attention to the good conduct of Captain Johnston, Ohio regiment, and Lieutenant Hooker, 1st Artillery, serving on the staff of General Hamer, and of Lieutenant Nichols, 2d Artillery, on that of General Quitman. Captains Bragg and Ridgely served with their batteries during the operations under my own observation, and in part under my immediate orders, and exhibited distinguished skill and gallantry. Captain Webster, 1st Artillery, assisted by Lieutenants Donaldson and Bowen, rendered good service with the howitzer battery, which was much exposed to the enemy's fire on the 21st.

From the nature of the operations, the 2d Dragoons were not brought into action, but were usefully employed under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel May, as escorts, and in keeping open our communications. The 1st Kentucky regiment was also prevented from participating in the action of the 21st, but rendered highly important services under Colonel Ormsby, in covering the mortar battery, and holding in check the enemy's cavalry during the day.

I have noticed above the officers whose conduct either fell under my immediate eye, or is noticed only in minor reports which are not forwarded. For further mention of individuals, I beg leave to refer to the reports of division commanders. I fully concur in their recommendations, and desire that they may be considered as a part of my own report.

From the officers of my personal staff, and of the engineers, (p. 298) topographical engineers, and ordnance, associated with me, I have derived valuable and efficient assistance during the operations. Colonel Whiting, assistant quartermaster-general, Colonels Croghan and Belknap, inspector generals, Major Bliss, assistant adjutant general, Captain Sibley, assistant quartermaster, Captain Waggaman, commissary of subsistence, Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Garnett, aids-de-camp, and Major Kirby and Van Buren, pay department, served near my person, and were ever prompt, in all situations, in the communication of my orders and instructions. I must express my particular obligations to Brevet-Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Scarritt, corps of Engineers. They both rendered most important services in reconnoitring the enemy's positions, conducting troops in attack, and strengthening the works captured from the enemy. Major Mansfield, though wounded on the 21st, remained on duty during that and the following day, until confined by his wound to camp. Captain Williams, Topographical Engineer, to my great regret and the loss of the service, was mortally wounded while fearlessly exposing himself in the attack of the 21st. Lieutenant Pope, of the same corps, was active and zealous throughout the operations. Major Munroe, chief of the Artillery, Major Craig and Captain Ramsay, of the Ordnance, were assiduous in the performance of their proper duties. The former superintended their mortar service on the 22d, as particularly mentioned in the report of General Worth, to which I also refer for the services of the engineer and topographical officers detached with the second division.

Surgeon Craig, medical director, was actively employed in the important duties of his department, and the medical staff generally were unremitting in their attentions to the numerous wounded; their duties with the regular regiments being rendered uncommonly arduous by the small number serving in the field.

I respectfully enclose herewith, in addition to the report of division commanders, a field return of the force before Monterey on the 21st of September; a return of killed, wounded and missing during the operations, and two topographical sketches, one exhibiting all the movements around Monterey, the other on a large scale illustrating more particularly the operations in the lower quarters of the city, prepared respectively by Lieutenants Meade and Pope, Topographical Engineers.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Major-General U. S. A., commanding.

No. 61. (p. 299) PLATE LXII.

December 10, 1846.

Somers navis Americana. . Pro vitis Americanorum conservatis.

LOSS OF THE UNITED STATES BRIG-OF-WAR SOMERS.

SOMERS NAVIS AMERICANA. (The American vessel Somers.) The United States brig-of-war Somers knocked down at sea. Exergue: ANTE VERA CRUZ DEC. 10{TH} 1846. (Off Vera Cruz, December 10th, 1846.) C. C. WRIGHT. F. (fecit).

PRO VITIS AMERICANORUM CONSERVATIS. (For having saved the lives of Americans.) Three men-of-war's boats, English, Spanish, and French, pulling for the Somers. Exergue: A vacant space for the name of the recipient. ENG. (engraved) BY C. C. WRIGHT.

I saw, in 1872, in the office of the chief clerk of the Navy Department, Washington, two small paintings of both sides of this medal. They were signed: Butterworth, pinxit.

CHARLES CUSHING WRIGHT was born in Maine in 1796. He was a bank note engraver and a die sinker, and made several medals, among others those voted to General Taylor for Buena Vista, to General Scott for Mexico, to Colonel Bliss by the State of New York, to General Taylor by the State of Louisiana, to the Volunteers in Mexico by the City of New York, and the Somers medal. He died in New York, June 7, 1854.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 300)

Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to British, French, and Spanish Officers, etc.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to cause suitable gold and silver medals to be prepared and presented to the officers and men belonging or attached to the French, British, and Spanish ships of war in the harbor of Vera Cruz, who so gallantly and at the imminent peril of their lives, aided in rescuing from a watery grave many of the officers and crew of the United States brig Somers.

Approved March 3d, 1847.

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Lieutenant Semmes to Commodore M. C. Perry.

To U. S. frigate Raritan, COMMODORE M. C. PERRY, Anton Lizardo, December 10, 1846. Second in command, Home Squadron.

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the loss of the U.S. brig Somers, late under my command, and of the drowning of more than half of her crew. The details of this sad catastrophe are briefly as follows:

After having been forty-five days maintaining the blockade off Vera Cruz, I anchored on the evening of the 7th instant under Verde Island, where it had been my practice to take shelter from the N. W. gales, which blow with such frequency and violence along this coast at this season of the year. Soon after sunrise the next morning, a sail having been descried from the masthead, I immediately got under way, and commenced beating up between the Verde Island and Pascoros reefs. In a short time I was enabled, with my glass, to make out the strange sail to be a man of war, whereupon I hoisted my number, and had the satisfaction in fifteen or twenty minutes more to see the stranger show that of the "John Adams." The wind, which had been blowing from the W. N. W. when we got under way, gradually hauled to the northwest and settled for a while at N. N. E. The barometer having fallen the night previous to 29.80 in., and being still down, and the weather looking still unsettled, I was apprehensive of a gale. As soon, therefore, as the "John Adams" showed her number, I wore round and ran down towards Verde Island, with a view of coming to, and getting my vessel snug before the gale should come on. When I had nearly approached the anchorage, the look-out at the masthead cried "Sail ho!" a second time. On applying my glass to the direction indicated from aloft, I perceived this second sail to be a brig in the N. E., standing apparently for Vera Cruz (she did afterwards run between the inner Anegada and the Blanquilla). I immediately abandoned my intention of anchoring, as the gale had not yet set in, and hauling on a wind, under top-sails and courses, commenced to beat up the passage a second time, (p. 301) with the view of placing myself between the strange sail and the Port, to prevent the possibility of her running the blockade, if she should be so inclined. I made one tack towards the Pascoros reefs, and at the time of the catastrophe, was standing on the larboard tack, with the northern point of the Verde Island reef a couple of points on my lee bow. We were still under topsails, courses, jib and spanker, and the Brig did not appear too much pressed. I was myself standing on the lee arm-chest, having just passed over from the weather quarter, and, with my spy-glass in hand, was observing the reef on our lee bow to see whether it were possible to weather it, or in the event of our not being able to do this, to give timely notice to the officer of the deck to tack ship. I had not been long in this position before the officer of the deck, 2d Lieut. Jas. L. Parker, remarked to me that he thought it looked a little squally to windward. I immediately passed over to the weather side, and as it looked a little darker than it had done, I ordered him to haul up the mainsail, and brail up the spanker, and directed the helm to be put up. These orders were promptly obeyed. Lieut. Parker took the mainsail off her, and had got the spanker about half brailed up, when the squall struck us. It did not appear to be very riotous, nor was its approach accompanied by any foaming of the water, or other indications which usually mark the approach of heavy squalls. But the Brig being flying light, having scarcely any water or provisions, and but six tons of ballast on board, she was thrown over almost instantly, so far as to refuse to obey her helm, the pressure of the water on the lee bow rather inclining her to luff; seeing which, I directed the helm to be put down, hoping that I might luff and shake the wind out of her sails, until the force of the squall should be spent. The quartermaster at the helm had hardly time to obey this order, before the brig was on her beam ends, and the water pouring into every hatch and scuttle. Being now convinced that she must speedily go down unless relieved, I ordered the masts to be cut away. The officers and men, who, with few exceptions, had, by this time, gained the weather bulwarks of the vessel, immediately began to cut away the rigging. But as this was a forlorn hope, the brig filling very fast, and her masts and yards lying flat upon the surface of the sea, I placed no reliance whatever on their efforts. A few moments more, and I was convinced that, in spite of all our exertions, she must inevitably go down in a very short time. I accordingly turned my attention to the saving of as many lives as possible. The boats secured in the grips amidships, and the starboard-quarter boat, were already several feet under water, so that it was impossible to reach them, but we succeeded in disengaging the larboard-quarter boat from her davits, a small boat pulling five oars, and dropped her, fortunately, to leeward of the brig to prevent her being thrown upon the vessel's side, and crushed by the sea. I ordered Midshipman F. G. Clark to take charge of this boat, and with the purser, surgeon, and seventeen men, make for Verde Island, if possible, and after having landed all but the boat's crew, to return and save others. It was now blowing a strong gale, with a heavy sea running, and I deemed it imprudent to trust more men in so small a boat. Besides, I was anxious to shove her off, before the vessel should sink, lest there might be a rush for her, and no life at all should be saved. I cannot refrain from expressing, in this place, my admiration of the noble conduct of several of the men embarked in this boat, who implored the officers by name to take their (p. 302) places, saying they would willingly die by the wreck, if the officers would but save themselves. Of course, none of the generous fellows were permitted to come out, and they were all subsequently safely landed, as they deserved to be. Midshipman Clark fortunately succeeded in shoving off, and pulling some twenty paces from the brig before she went down. When she was on the point of sinking beneath us, and engulfing us in the waves, I gave the order: "Every man save himself who can." Whereupon there was a simultaneous plunge into the sea, of about sixty officers and men, each one trying to secure some frail object that had drifted from the wreck, for the purpose of sustaining himself in the awful struggle with the sea, which awaited him. Some reached a grating, some an oar, some a boat's mast, some a hen-coop, &c., but many poor fellows sprang into the sea to perish in a few minutes, not being able to find any object of support. Lieut. Parker and myself, being both swimmers, were fortunate enough to reach one of the arm-chest gratings, which afforded us partial support, but on which we should inevitably have been drowned, if we had not, when we had swam some twenty or thirty paces, secured an upper half port which came drifting by us. We lashed this with lanyards attached to it to our grating, and thenceforth got along much better. Midshipman Clark, after he had landed the officers and men under his charge at Verde Island, shoved off a second time, in obedience to the orders I had given him, at the imminent peril of his life, for the gale was now blowing with such violence, and the sea running so heavy, that it seemed impossible that so small a boat could live, and skirted the Verde Island to see if it were possible to rescue any of us from the waves. His efforts were rewarded with partial success, as he picked up Lieutenant Parker and myself and one of the seamen. As soon as I landed I sent Midshipman Clark out again, who ventured as far from the island as he thought his boat would live, but this time he returned unsuccessful, having been able to descry no floating object whatever. Lieutenant Claiborne saved himself on a small hatch about two feet square, used for covering the pump-well, and which he found floating near the wreck. He was thrown with great violence upon a reef near Sacrificios, but fortunately escaped without serious injury. As strange as it may appear to you, there could not have elapsed more than ten minutes between our being struck with the squall and the total disappearance of the "Somers." I feel that I would not be doing justice to the officers and men who were under my command on this melancholy occasion, if I were to close this report without bearing testimony to their uniform coolness and self-possession under the trying circumstance under which we were placed, the alacrity with which they obeyed my orders, and when all was over the generosity with which they behaved to each other in the water, where the struggle was one of life and death. I have thus concluded what I had to say in relation to the causes of the disaster, and our own exertions; but with heartfelt acknowledgments, it remains for me to inform you of the gallant and feeling manner in which all the foreign men-of-war lying at Sacrificios came to our rescue. They hoisted out and manned boats immediately, and at the hazard of their lives, put out towards the wreck. They were at first driven back by the violence of the wind and sea, but renewed their efforts upon the first lull, and had the unhoped for satisfaction of saving fourteen more of our unfortunate companions. To Captain Lambert, of the English frigate "Endymion;" Captain (p. 303) Frankland, of the English corvette "Alarm;" Commander Matson, of the English brig "Daring;" Captain Dubut, of the French brig "Mercure;" Captain de Labédoyère, of the French brig "Pylade;" and Captain Puente, of the Spanish corvette "Louisa Fernandez;" who all sent boats, and supplied us with clothing, and hospitably entertained us on board their ships, we owe a lasting debt of gratitude.

In conclusion, I respectfully request that at as early a date as convenient you will order a Court of Inquiry to investigate my conduct in this unfortunate affair.

R. SEMMES, Lieutenant commanding.

No. 62. (p. 304) PLATE LXIII.

1847.

Major General Winfield Scott. . Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo. Contreras, etc.

MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT.

In a pendant: MAJOR GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT. Undraped bust of General Scott, facing the left. Fifteen stars on each side. Exergue: RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS MARCH 9. 1848. S. ELLIS DEL. (delineavit.) On the edge of bust, C. C. WRIGHT, F. (fecit).

Six crowns of laurel and oak intertwined; in each the name of one of the Mexican victories of General Scott: VERA CRUZ. CERRO GORDO. CONTRERAS. SAN ANTONIO & CHURUBUSCO. MOLINO DEL REY. CHAPULTEPEC. In the centre is the taking of the capital, CITY OF MEXICO, which General Scott is observing on horseback. G. C. HUMPHRIES DEL. (delineavit.) C. C. WRIGHT FECt. (fecit).

SALATHIEL ELLIS was born in Vermont in 1806, and followed his parents to St. Lawrence County, New York. He became a portrait painter, cameo cutter and die sinker. He settled in New York city about 1842, and designed the obverses of the medals awarded to General Taylor for Buena Vista, and to General Scott for Mexico; he engraved the obverses of the medals of Presidents Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan, and Lincoln, and also of that given to Cornelius Vanderbilt.

G. C. HUMPHRIES, who designed the reverse of this medal, died in London, England.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. (p. 305)

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Scott.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, presented to Winfield Scott, Major-General commanding-in-chief the army in Mexico, and through him to the officers and men of the regular and volunteer corps under him, for their uniform gallantry and good conduct, conspicuously displayed at the siege and capture of the city of Vera Cruz and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, March 29, 1847; and in the successive battles of Cerro Gordo, April 18; Contreras, San Antonio, and Churubusco, August 19 and 20; and for the victories achieved in front of the city of Mexico, September 8, 11, 12, and 13; and the capture of the metropolis, September 14, 1847; in which the Mexican troops, greatly superior in numbers, and with every advantage of position, were in every conflict signally defeated by the American arms.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of the series of brilliant victories achieved by the army, and presented to Major-General Winfield Scott, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his valor, skill, and judicious conduct in the memorable campaign of 1847.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to Major-General Scott in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect to the objects thereof.

Approved March 9, 1848.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 12, 1847.

Sir: The colors of the United States were triumphantly planted ashore, in full view of the city and castle, and under the distant fire of both, in the afternoon of the 9th inst. Brevet Brigadier-General Worth's brigade of regulars led the descent, quickly followed by the division of United States volunteers under Major-General Patterson, and Brigadier-General Twiggs' reserve brigade of regulars. The three lines successively landed in sixty-seven surf-boats, each boat conducted by a naval officer, and rowed by sailors from Commodore Conner's squadron, whose lighter vessels flanked the boats so as to be ready to protect the operation by their cross-fire. The whole army reached the shore in fine style, and without direct opposition (on the beach), accident or loss, driving the enemy from the ground to be occupied.

The line of investment, according to General Orders, No. 47, was partially taken up the same night; but has only been completed to-day, owing to most extraordinary difficulties: 1. The environs of the city, outside of the fire of its guns and those of the (p. 306) castle, are broken into innumerable hills of loose sand, from 20 to 250 feet in height, with almost impassable forests of chapparal between; and 2. Of all our means, of land transportation: wagons, carts, pack-saddles, horses and mules, expected to join us from Tampico and the Brazos, weeks ago, but fifteen carts and about one hundred draught-horses have yet arrived. Three hundred pack-mules are greatly needed to relieve the troops in taking subsistence alone, along the line of investment of more than five miles, as, at present, our only depot is south of the city. On the cessation of the present raging norther, which almost stifles the troops with sand, sweeping away hills and creating new, I hope to establish a second depot north of the city, which will partially relieve the left wing of the army.

In extending the line of investment around the city, the troops for three days have performed the heaviest labors in getting over the hills and cutting through the intervening forests, all under the distant fire of the city and castle, and in the midst of many sharp skirmishes with the enemy. In these operations we have lost in killed and wounded several valuable officers and men. Among the killed I have to report Brevet Captain Alburtis, of the United States 2d Infantry, much distinguished in the Florida war, and a most excellent officer. He fell on the 11th inst., and Lieutenant-Colonel Dickenson, of the South Carolina Regiment, was badly wounded in a skirmish the day before. Two privates have been killed in these operations, and four or five wounded. As yet I have not been able to obtain their names.

As soon as the subsistence of the troops can be assured, and their positions are well established, I shall, by an organized movement, cause each brigade of regulars and volunteers to send detachments, with supports, to clear its front, including sub-bourgs, of the enemy's parties, so as to oblige them to confine themselves within the walls of the city.

I have heretofore reported that but two-sevenths of the siege-train and ammunition had reached me. The remainder is yet unheard of. We shall commence landing the heavy metal as soon as the storm subsides, and hope that the five-sevenths may be up in time.

The city being invested, would, no doubt, early surrender, but for fear that, if occupied by us, it would immediately be fired upon by the castle. I am not altogether without hope of finding the means of coming to some compromise with the city on this subject.

So far, the principal skirmishing has fallen to the lot of Brigadier-General Pillow's and Quitman's brigades. Both old and new volunteer regiments have conducted themselves admirably. Indeed, the whole army is full of zeal and confidence, and cannot fail to acquire distinction in the impending operations.

To Commodore Conner, the officers and sailors of his squadron, the army is indebted for great and unceasing assistance, promptly and cheerfully rendered. Their co-operation is the constant theme of our gratitude and admiration. A handsome detachment of marines, under Captain Edson, of that corps, landed with the first line, and is doing duty with the army.

March 13th. The enemy, at intervals, continues the fire of heavy ordnance, from the city and castle, upon our line of investment, both by day and night, but with little or no effect.

The norther has ceased, which has renewed our communication (p. 307) with the storeships at anchor under Sacrificios. We shall immediately commence landing the few pieces of heavy ordnance, with ordnance stores, at hand, and hope soon to have the necessary draught mules to take them to their positions. Any further delay in the arrival of those means of transportation will be severely felt in our operations.

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Camp Washington, before Vera Cruz, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. March 23, 1847.

Sir: Yesterday, seven of our 10-inch mortars being in battery, and the labors for planting the remainder of our heavy metal being in progress, I addressed, at two o'clock P.M., a summons to the Governor of Vera Cruz, and within the two hours limited by the bearer of the flag, received the governor's answer. Copies of the two papers (marked respectively A and B) are herewith enclosed.

It will be perceived that the Governor, who, it turns out, is the commander of both places, chose, against the plain terms of the summons, to suppose me to have demanded the surrender of the castle and of the city; when, in fact, from the non-arrival of our heavy metal, principally mortars, I was in no condition to threaten the former.

On the return of the flag with the reply, I at once ordered the seven mortars, in battery, to open upon the city. In a short time the smaller vessels of Commodore Perry's squadron, two steamers and five schooners, according to previous arrangement with him, approached the city within about a mile and an eighth, whence, being partially covered from the castle, an essential condition to their safety, they also opened a brisk fire upon the city. This has been continued uninterruptedly by the mortars, and only with a few intermissions, by the vessels, up to 9 o'clock this morning, when the commodore, very properly, called them off from a position too daringly assumed.

Our three remaining mortars are now (12 o'clock A.M.) in battery, and the whole ten in activity. To-morrow, early, if the city should continue obstinate, batteries Nos. 4 and 5 will be ready to add their fire; No. 4 consisting of four 24-pounders and two 8-inch Paixhan guns, and No. 5 (naval battery) of three 32-pounders and three 8-inch Paixhans: the guns, officers, and sailors, landed from the squadron; our friends of the navy being unremitting in their zealous co-operation, in every mode and form.

So far, we know that our fire upon the city has been highly effective, particularly from the battery of 10-inch mortars, planted at about 800 yards from the city. Including the preparation and defence of the batteries, from the beginning, now many days, and notwithstanding the heavy fire of the enemy, from city and castle, we have only had four or five men wounded (p. 308) and one officer and one man killed, in or near the trenches. That officer was Captain John R. Vinton, of the United States third Artillery, one of the most talented, accomplished, and effective members of the army, and who was highly distinguished in the brilliant operations at Monterey. He fell last evening in the trenches, where he was on duty as field and commanding officer, universally regretted. I have just attended his honored remains to a soldier's grave, in full view of the enemy and within reach of his guns.

Thirteen of the long needed mortars, leaving twenty-seven, besides heavy guns, behind, have arrived, and two of them landed. A heavy norther then set in (at meridian) that stopped that operation, and also the landing of shells. Hence the fire of our mortar batteries has been slackened since two o'clock to-day, and cannot be reinvigorated until we shall again have a smooth sea. In the mean time I shall leave this report open for journalizing events that may occur up to the departure of the steam ship-of-war, the Princeton, with Commodore Conner, who, I learn, expects to leave the anchorage off Sacrificios, for the United States, the 25th instant.

March 24th. The storm having subsided in the night, we commenced this forenoon, as soon as the sea became a little smooth, to land shot, shells, and mortars.

The naval battery, No. 5, was opened with great activity, under Captain Aulick, the second in rank of the squadron, at about 10 A.M. His fire was continued to 2 o'clock P.M., a little before he was relieved by Captain Mayo, who landed with a fresh supply of ammunition, Captain Aulick having exhausted the supply he had brought with him. He lost four sailors, killed, and had one officer, Lieutenant Baldwin, slightly hurt.

The mortar batteries Nos. 1, 2, and 3, have fired but languidly during the day for want of shells, which are now going out from the beach.

The two reports of Colonel Bankhead, chief of artillery, both of this date, copies of which I enclose, give the incidents of those three batteries.

Battery No. 4, which will mount four 24-pounders and two 8-inch Paixhan guns, has been much delayed in the hands of the indefatigable engineers by the norther that filled up the work with sand nearly as fast as it could be opened by the half-blinded laborers. It will, however, doubtless be in full activity early to-morrow morning.

March 25th. The Princeton being about to start for Philadelphia, I have but a moment to continue this report.

All the batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are in awful activity this morning. The effect is, no doubt, very great, and I think the city cannot hold out beyond to-day. To-morrow morning many of the new mortars will be in a position to add their fire, when, or after the delay of some twelve hours, if no proposition to surrender should be received, I shall organize parties for carrying the city by assault. So far the defence has been spirited and obstinate.

I enclose a copy of a memorial received last night, signed by the consuls of Great Britain, France, Spain, and Prussia, within Vera Cruz, asking me to grant a truce to enable the neutrals, together with Mexican women and children, to withdraw from the scene of havoc about them. I shall reply, the moment an opportunity may be taken, to say: 1. That a truce can only be granted on application of Governor Morales, with a view to surrender. 2. That in (p. 309) sending safeguards to the different consuls, beginning so far back as the 13th inst., I distinctly admonished them, particularly the French and Spanish consuls, and of course through the two, the other consuls, of the dangers that have followed. 3. That although at that date I had already refused to allow any person whatever to pass the line of investment either way, yet the blockade had been left open to the consuls and other neutrals to pass out to their respective ships of war up to the 22d instant; and 4. I shall enclose to the memorialists a copy of my summons to the Governor, to show that I had fully considered the impending hardships and distresses of the place, including those of women and children, before one gun had been fired in that direction. The intercourse between the neutral ships of war and the city was stopped at the last mentioned date by Commodore Perry, with my concurrence, which I placed on the ground that that intercourse could not fail to give to the enemy moral aid and comfort.

It will be seen from the memorial that our batteries have already had a terrible effect on the city (also known through other sources), and hence the inference that a surrender must soon be proposed. In haste,

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with respect, your most obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Head-Quarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Vera Cruz, March 29, 1847. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: The flag of the United States of America floats triumphantly over the walls of the city and castle of San Juan d'Ulloa.

Our troops have garrisoned both since 10 o'clock; it is now noon. Brigadier-General Worth is in command of the two places.

Articles of capitulation were signed and exchanged at a late hour night before last. I enclose a copy of the document.

I have heretofore reported the principal incidents of the siege up to the 25th instant. Nothing of striking interest occurred till early in the morning of the next day, when I received overtures from General Landero, on whom General Morales had devolved the principal command. A terrible storm of wind and sand made it difficult to communicate with the city, and impossible to refer to Commodore Perry. I was obliged to entertain the proposition alone, or to continue the fire upon a place that had shown a disposition to surrender; for the loss of a day, or perhaps several, could not be permitted. The accompanying papers will show the proceedings and results.

Yesterday, after the norther had abated, and the commissioners appointed by me early the morning before had again met those appointed by General Landero, Commodore Perry sent ashore his second in command, Captain Aulick, as a commissioner on the part of the navy. Although not included in my specific arrangement with the Mexican commander, I did not hesitate, with proper (p. 310) courtesy, to desire that Captain Aulick might be duly introduced and allowed to participate in the discussions and acts of the commissioners who had been reciprocally accredited. Hence the preamble to his signature. The original American commissioners were Brevet Brigadier-General Worth, Brigadier-General Pillow, and Colonel Totten. Four more able or judicious officers could not have been desired.

I have to add but little more. The remaining details of the siege; the able co-operation of the United States squadron, successively under the command of Commodores Conner and Perry, the admirable conduct of the whole army, regulars and volunteers, I should be happy to dwell upon as they deserve; but the steamer Princeton, with Commodore Conner on board, is under way, and I have commenced organizing an advance into the interior. This may be delayed a few days, waiting the arrival of additional means of transportation. In the mean time, a joint operation, by land and water will be made upon Alvarado. No lateral expedition, however, shall interfere with the grand movement towards the capital.

In consideration of the great services of Colonel Totten, in the siege that has just terminated most successively, and the importance of his presence at Washington, as the head of the engineer bureau, I intrust this despatch to his personal care, and beg to commend him to the very favorable consideration of the department.

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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Terms of Capitulation agreed upon for the surrender to the arms of the United States of America of Vera Cruz, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa and their dependencies, with their armaments, munitions of war, garrisons, and arms.

The whole garrison, or garrisons, to be surrendered to the arms of the United States of America, as prisoners of war, the 29th instant at 10 o'clock A.M., the garrisons to be permitted to march out with all the honors of war, and to lay down their arms to such officers as may be appointed by the general-in-chief of the United States army, and at a point to be agreed on by the commissioners.

II.

Mexican officers shall preserve their arms and private effects, including horse and horse furniture, and to be allowed, regular and irregular officers and also the rank and file, five days to retire to their respective homes, on parole, as hereinafter prescribed.

III.

Coincident with the surrender, as stipulated in Article I, the Mexican flags of the various forts and stations shall be struck, saluted by their own batteries; and, immediately thereafter, forts Santiago and Conception and the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, occupied by the forces of the United States.

IV.

The rank and file of the regular portion of the prisoners to (p. 311) be disposed of, after surrender and parole, as their general-in-chief may desire, and the irregular to be permitted to return to their homes. The officers, in respect to all arms and descriptions of force, giving the usual parole, that the said rank and file, as well as themselves, shall not serve again until duly exchanged.

All the materiel of war, and all public property of every description found in the city, the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, and their dependencies, to belong to the United States; but the armament of the same (not injured or destroyed in the further prosecution of the actual war) may be considered as liable to be restored to Mexico by a definite treaty of peace.

VI.

The sick and wounded Mexicans to be allowed to remain in the city, with such medical officers of the army as may be necessary to their care and treatment.

VII.

Absolute protection is solemnly guaranteed to persons in the city, and property, and it is clearly understood that no private building or property is to be taken or used by the forces of the United States, without previous arrangement with the owners, and for a fair equivalent.

VIII.

Absolute freedom of religious worship and ceremonies is solemnly guaranteed.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Plan del Rio, 50 miles from Vera Cruz, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. April 19, 1847.

Sir: The plan of attack, sketched in General Orders, No. 111, forwarded herewith, was finely executed by this gallant army before two o'clock P.M. yesterday. We are quite embarrassed with the results of victory, prisoners of war, heavy ordnance, field batteries, small arms and accoutrements.

About three thousand men laid down their arms, with the usual proportion of field and company officers, besides five generals, several of them of great distinction: Pinson, Yarrero, La Vega, Noriega, and Obardo. A sixth general, Vasquez, was killed in defending the battery (tower) in the rear of the whole Mexican army, the capture of which gave us these glorious results.

Our loss, though comparatively small in numbers, has been serious. Brigadier-General Shields, a commander of activity, zeal and talent, is, I fear, if not dead, mortally wounded. He is (p. 312) some five miles from me at the moment. The field of operations covered many miles, broken by mountains and deep chasms, and I have not a report, as yet, from any division or brigade.

Twiggs' division, followed by Shields' (now Colonel Baker's) brigade, are now at Xalapa, and Worth's division is en route thither, all pursuing, with good results, as I learn, that part of the Mexican army, perhaps six or seven thousand men, who had fled before our right had carried the tower, and gained the Xalapa road.

Pillow's brigade alone is near me at this depot of wounded, sick, and prisoners; and I have time only to give from him the names of 1st Lieutenant F. B. Nelson, and 2d Lieutenant C. J. Hill, both of the 2d Tennessee foot (Haskell's regiment), among the killed, and in the brigade one hundred and six, of all ranks, killed or wounded.

Among the latter, the gallant Brigadier-General himself has a smart wound in the arm, but not disabled; and Major R. Farqueson, 2d Tennessee, Captain H. F. Murray, 2d Lieutenant G. T. Sutherland, 1st Lieutenant W. P. Hale, Adjutant, all of the same regiment, severely, and 1st Lieutenant W. Yearwood, mortally wounded. And I know, from personal observation on the ground, that 1st Lieutenant Ewell, of the Rifles, if not now dead, was mortally wounded in entering, sword in hand, the intrenchments around the captured tower.

Second Lieutenant Derby, Topographical Engineers, I also saw, at the same place, severely wounded, and Captain Patten, 2d United States Infantry, lost his right hand. Major Sumner, 2d United States Dragoons, was slightly wounded the day before, and Captain Johnston, Topographical Engineers (now Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry), was very severely wounded some days earlier while reconnoitering. I must not omit to add that Captain Mason, and 2d Lieutenant Davis, both of the rifles, were among the very severely wounded in storming the same tower.

I estimate our total loss, in killed and wounded, may be about two hundred and fifty, and that of the enemy at three hundred and fifty. In the pursuit toward Xalapa (25 miles hence), I learn, we have added much to the enemy's loss in prisoners, killed and wounded. In fact, I suppose his retreating army to be nearly disorganized, and hence my haste to follow, in an hour or two, to profit by events.

In this hurried and imperfect report I must not omit to say that Brigadier-General Twiggs, in passing the mountain range beyond Cerro Gordo, crowned with the tower, detached from his division, as I suggested the day before, a strong force to carry that height, which commanded the Xalapa road at the foot, and could not fail, if carried, to cut off the whole, or any part of the enemy's forces, from a retreat in any direction.

A portion of the 1st Artillery, under the often distinguished Brevet-Colonel Childs, the 3d Infantry, under Captain Alexander, the 7th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton, and the Rifles, under Major Loring, all under the temporary command of Colonel Hamey, 2d Dragoons, during the confinement to his bed of Brevet Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, composed that detachment. The style of execution, which I had the pleasure to witness, was most brilliant and decisive.

The brigade ascended the long and difficult slope of Cerro Gordo, without shelter, and under the tremendous fire of artillery and musketry, with the utmost steadiness, reached the breastworks, drove the enemy from them, planted the colors of the 1st (p. 313) Artillery, 3d and 7th Infantry, the enemy's flag still flying, and, after some minutes' sharp firing, finished the conquest with the bayonet.

It is a most pleasing duty to say that the highest praise is due to Harney, Childs, Plympton, Loring, Alexander, their gallant officers and men, for this brilliant service, independent of the great results which soon followed.

Worth's division of regulars coming up at this time, he detached Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, with his light battalion, to support the assault, but not in time. The general, reaching the tower a few minutes before me, and observing a white flag displayed from the nearest portion of the enemy towards the batteries below, sent out Colonels Harney and Childs to hold a parley. The surrender followed in an hour or two.

Major-General Patterson left a sick bed to share in the dangers and fatigues of the day; and after the surrender went forward to command the advance forces towards Xalapa.

Brigadier-General Pillow and his brigade twice assaulted with great daring the enemy's line of batteries on our left; and though without success, they contributed much to distract and dismay their immediate opponents.

President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, and some six or eight thousand men, escaped toward Xalapa just before Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs' division reached the national road above.

I have determined to parole the prisoners, officers and men, as I have not the means of feeding them here, beyond to-day, and cannot afford to detail a heavy body of horse and foot, with wagons, to accompany them to Vera Cruz. Our baggage train, though increasing, is not half large enough to give an assured progress to this army.

Besides, a greater number of prisoners would, probably, escape from the escort in the long and deep sandy road without subsistence, ten to one, than we shall find again, out of the same body of men, in the ranks opposed to us. Not one of the Vera Cruz prisoners is believed to have been in the lines of Cerro Gordo. Some six of the officers, highest in rank, refuse to give their paroles, except to go to Vera Cruz, and thence, perhaps, to the United States.

The small arms and accoutrements, being of no value to our army here or at home, I have ordered them to be destroyed, for we have not the means of transporting them. I am, also, somewhat embarrassed with the pieces of artillery, all bronze, which we have captured. It would take a brigade, and half the mules of our army, to transport them fifty miles.

A field battery I shall take for service with the army; but the heavy metal must be collected and left here for the present. We have our own siege-train and the proper carriages with us.

Being much occupied with the prisoners and all the details of a forward movement, besides looking to the supplies which are to follow from Vera Cruz, I have time to add no more, intending to be at Xalapa early to-morrow. We shall not, probably, again meet with serious opposition this side of Perote; certainly not, unless delayed by the want of the means of transportation.

I have the honor to remain, Sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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General Orders No. 111. (p. 314)

Headquarters of the Army, Plan del Rio, April 17, 1847.

The enemy's line of intrenchments and batteries will be attacked in front, and at the same time turned, early in the day, to-morrow, probably before ten o'clock A.M.

The second (Twiggs') division of regulars is already advanced within easy turning distance towards the enemy's left. That division has instructions to move forward before daylight to-morrow and take up a position across the national road in the enemy's rear, so as to cut off a retreat towards Xalapa. It may be reinforced to-day if unexpectedly attacked in force, by regiments, one or two taken from Shields' brigade of volunteers. If not, the two volunteer regiments will march for that purpose at daylight to-morrow morning, under Brigadier-General Shields, who will report to Brigadier-General Twiggs, on getting up with him, or the general-in-chief, if he be in advance.

The remaining regiment of that volunteer brigade will receive instructions in the course of this day.

The first division of regulars (Worth's) will follow the movement against the enemy's left at sunrise to-morrow morning.

As already arranged, Brigadier-General Pillow's brigade will march at six o'clock to-morrow morning along the route he has carefully reconnoitered, and stand ready as soon as he hears the report of arms on our right, or sooner if circumstances should favor him, to pierce the enemy's line of batteries at such point, the nearer the river the better, as he may select. Once in the rear of that line, he will turn to the right or left, or both, and attack the batteries in reverse; or, if abandoned, he will pursue the enemy with vigor until further orders.

Wall's field battery and the cavalry will be held in reserve on the national road, a little out of view and range of the enemy's batteries. They will take up that position at nine o'clock in the morning.

The enemy's batteries being carried or abandoned, all our divisions and corps will pursue with vigor.

This pursuit may be continued many miles, until stopped by darkness or fortified positions, towards Xalapa. Consequently the body of the army will not return to this encampment, but be followed to-morrow afternoon, or early the next morning, by the baggage trains of the several corps. For this purpose, the feebler officers and men of each corps will be left to guard its camp and effects, and to load up the latter in the wagons of the corps. A commander of the present encampment will be designated in the course of this day.

As soon as it shall be known that the enemy's works have been carried, or that the general pursuit has been commenced, one wagon for each regiment and one for the cavalry will follow the movement, to receive, under the direction of medical officers, the wounded and disabled, who will be brought back to this place for treatment in general hospital.

The Surgeon-General will organize this important service and (p. 315) designate that hospital, as well as the medical officers to be left at it.

Every man who marches out to attack or pursue the enemy will take the usual allowance of ammunition and subsistence for at least two days.

By command of Major-General Scott. H. L. SCOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Tacubaya, at the Gates of Mexico, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. August 28th, 1847.

Sir: My report, No. 31, commenced in the night of the 19th instant, closed with the operations of the army on that day.

The morning of the 20th opened with one of a series of unsurpassed achievements, all in view of the capital, and to which I shall give the general name: Battles of Mexico.

In the night of the 19th, Brigadier-Generals Shields, P. F. Smith, and Cadwallader, and Colonel Riley with their brigades, and the 15th Regiment, under Colonel Morgan, detached from Brigadier-General Pierce, found themselves in and about the important position, the village, hamlet or hacienda, called indifferently, Contreras, Ansalda, San Geronimo, half a mile nearer to the city than the enemy's intrenched camp, on the same road, towards the factory of Magdalena.

That camp had been, unexpectedly, our formidable point of attack in the afternoon before, and we had now to take it, without the aid of cavalry or artillery, or to throw back our advanced corps upon the direct road from San Augustin to the city, and thence force a passage through San Antonio.

Accordingly, to meet contingencies, Major-General Worth was ordered to leave early in the morning of the 20th, one of his brigades to mask San Antonio, and to march with the other six miles, via San Augustin, upon Contreras. A like destination was given to Major-General Quitman and his remaining brigade in San Augustin, replacing, for the moment, the garrison of that important depot with Harney's brigade of cavalry, as horse could not pass over the intervening lava, etc., to reach the field of battle.

A diversion for an earlier hour (daylight) had been arranged the night before, according to the suggestion of Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, received through the engineer, Captain Lee, who conveyed my orders to our troops remaining on the ground, opposite to the enemy's centre, a point for the diversion or the real attack, as circumstances might allow.

Guided by Captain Lee, it proved the latter, under the command of Colonel Ransom of the 9th, having with him that regiment and some companies of three others, the 3d, 12th, and Rifles.

Shields, the senior officer of the hamlet, having arrived in (p. 316) the night, after Smith had arranged with Cadwallader and Riley the plan of attack for the morning, delicately waived interference; but reserved to himself the double task of holding the hamlet with his two regiments (South Carolina and New York Volunteers) against ten times his numbers on the side of the city, including the slopes to his left, and in case the enemy's camp in his rear should be carried, to face about and cut off the flying enemy.

At three A.M., the great movement commenced on the rear of the enemy's camp, Riley leading, followed successively by Cadwallader's and Smith's brigades, the latter temporarily under the orders of Major Dimick of the 1st Artillery, the whole force being commanded by Smith, the senior in the general attack, and whose arrangements, skill and gallantry always challenge the highest admiration.

The march was rendered tedious by the darkness, rain, and mud; but about sunrise, Riley, conducted by Lieutenant Turner, Engineer, had reached an elevation behind the enemy, whence he precipitated his columns; stormed the intrenchments, planted his several colors upon them, and carried the work, all in seventeen minutes.

Conducted by Lieutenant Beauregard, Engineer, and Lieutenant Brooks of Twiggs' staff, both of whom, like Lieutenant Tower, had, in the night, twice reconnoitred the ground; Cadwallader brought up to the general assault two of the regiments: the Voltigeurs and the 11th, and at the appointed time Colonel Ransom, with his temporary brigade, conducted by Captain Lee, Engineer, not only made the movement in front, to divert and to distract the enemy, but, after crossing the deep ravine, advanced, and poured into the works and upon the fugitives many volleys from his destructive musketry.

In the mean time Smith's own brigade, under the temporary command of Major Dimick, following the movements of Riley and Cadwallader, discovered, opposite to, and outside of the works, a long line of Mexican cavalry, drawn up as a support. Dimick having at the head of the brigade the company of Sappers and Miners, under Lieutenant G. W. Smith, engineer, who had conducted the march, was ordered by Brigadier-General Smith to form his line, faced to the enemy, and in a charge against the flank, routed the cavalry.

Shields, too, by the wise disposition of his brigade and gallant activity, contributed much to the general results. He held masses of cavalry and infantry, supported by artillery, in check below him, and captured hundreds, with one general (Mendoza), of those who fled from above.

I doubt whether a more brilliant or decisive victory, taking into view ground, artificial defences, batteries, and the extreme disparity of numbers, without cavalry or artillery on our side, is to be found on record. Including all our corps directed against the intrenched camp, with Shields' brigade at the hamlet, we positively did not number over four thousand five hundred rank and file; and we knew by sight, and since, more certainly, by many captured documents and letters, that the enemy had actually engaged on the spot seven thousand men, with at least twelve thousand more hovering within sight and striking distance, both on the 19th and 20th. All, not killed or captured, now fled with precipitation.

Thus was the great victory of Contreras achieved; one road to the capital opened; seven hundred of the enemy killed; eight hundred and thirteen prisoners, including, among eighty-eight (p. 317) officers, four generals; besides many colors and standards; twenty-two pieces of brass ordnance, half of large calibre; thousands of small arms and accoutrements; an immense quantity of shot, shells, powder, and cartridges; seven hundred pack mules, many horses, etc., etc., all in our hands.

It is highly gratifying to find that, by skillful arrangement and rapidity of execution, our loss, in killed and wounded, did not exceed, on the spot, sixty; among the former the brave Captain Charles Hanson, of the 4th Infantry, not more distinguished for gallantry than for modesty, morals, and piety. Lieutenant J. P. Johnstone, 1st Artillery, serving with Magruder's battery, a young officer of the highest promise, was killed the evening before.

One of the most pleasing incidents of the victory is the recapture, in their works, by Captain Drum, 4th Artillery, under Major Gardner, of the two brass 6-pounders, taken from another company of the same regiment, though without the loss of honor, at the glorious battle of Buena Vista; about which guns the whole regiment had mourned for so many long months! Coming up a little later I had the happiness to join in the protracted cheers of the gallant 4th on the joyous event; and, indeed, the whole army sympathizes in its just pride and exultation.

The battle being won before the advancing brigades of Worth's and Quitman's divisions were in sight, both were ordered to their late positions: Worth, to attack San Antonio, in front, with his whole force, as soon as approached in the rear by Pillow's and Twiggs' divisions; moving from Contreras, through San Angel and Coyoacan. By carrying San Antonio, we knew that we should open another, a shorter and better road to the capital for our siege and other trains.

Accordingly, the two advanced divisions and Shields' brigade marched from Contreras, under the immediate orders of Major-General Pillow, who was now joined by the gallant Brigadier-General Pierce of his division, personally thrown out of activity, late the evening before, by a severe hurt received from the fall of his horse.

After giving necessary orders on the field, in the midst of prisoners and trophies, and sending instructions to Harney's brigade of cavalry (left at San Augustin) to join me, I personally followed Pillow's command.

Arriving at Coyoacan, two miles by a cross road, from the rear of San Antonio, I first detached Captain Lee, Engineer, with Captain Kearny's troop, 1st Dragoons, supported by the Rifle regiment, under Major Loring, to reconnoitre that strong point; and next despatched Major-General Pillow, with one of his brigades (Cadwallader's), to make the attack upon it, in concert with Major-General Worth on the opposite side.

At the same time, by another road to the left, Lieutenant Stevens of the Engineers, supported by Lieutenant G. W. Smith's company of sappers and miners, of the same corps, was sent to reconnoitre the strongly fortified church or convent of San Pablo, in the hamlet of Churubusco, one mile off, Twiggs with one of his brigades (Smith's, less the Rifles) and Captain Taylor's field battery, were ordered to follow and to attack the convent. Major Smith, senior Engineer, was despatched to concert with Twiggs the mode and means of attack, and Twiggs' other brigade (Riley's) I soon ordered up to support him.

Next (but all in ten minutes) I sent Pierce (just able to (p. 318) keep the saddle) with his brigade (Pillow's division), conducted by Captain Lee, Engineer, by a third road a little farther to our left, to attack the enemy's right and rear, in order to favor the movement upon the convent, and to cut off a retreat toward the capital. And finally, Shields, senior brigadier to Pierce, with the New York and South Carolina Volunteers (Quitman's division), was ordered to follow Pierce closely, and to take the command of our left wing. All these movements were made with the utmost alacrity by our gallant troops and commanders.

Finding myself at Coyoacan, from which so many roads conveniently branched, without escort or reserve, I had to advance for safety close upon Twiggs' rear. The battle now raged from the right to the left of our whole line.

Learning on the return of Captain Lee, that Shields in the rear of Churubusco was hard pressed, and in danger of being outflanked, if not overwhelmed, by greatly superior numbers, I immediately sent under Major Sumner, 2d Dragoons, the Rifles (Twiggs' reserve) and Captain Sibley's troop, 2d Dragoons, then at hand, to support our left, guided by the same engineer.

About an hour earlier, Worth had, by skillful and daring movements upon the front and right, turned and forced San Antonio: its garrison, no doubt, much shaken by our decisive victory at Contreras.

His second brigade (Colonel Clarke's) conducted by Captain Mason, Engineer, assisted by Lieutenant Hardcastle, Topographical Engineer, turned to the left, and by a wide sweep came out upon the high road to the capital. At this point the heavy garrison (three thousand men) in retreat was, by Clarke, cut in the centre: one portion, the rear, driven upon Dolores, off to the right, and the other upon Churubusco, in the direct line of our operations. The first brigade (Colonel Garland's), same division, consisting of the 2d Artillery, under Major Gait, the 3d Artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Belton, and the 4th Infantry, commanded by Major F. Lee, with Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan's field battery (temporarily) followed in pursuit through the town, taking one general prisoner, the abandoned guns (five pieces), much ammunition and other public property.

The forcing of San Antonio was the second brilliant event of the day. Worth's division being soon reunited in hot pursuit, he was joined by Major-General Pillow, who, marching from Coyoacan and discovering that San Antonio had been carried, immediately turned to the left according to my instructions, and, though much impeded by ditches and swamps, hastened to the attack of Churubusco.

The hamlet or scattered houses bearing this name, presented besides the fortified convent, a strong field-work (tête-de-pont) with regular bastions and curtains, at the head of a bridge over which the road passes from San Antonio to the capital.

The whole remaining forces of Mexico, some twenty-seven thousand men, cavalry, artillery and infantry, collected from every quarter, were now in, on the flanks, or within supporting distance of those works, and seemed resolved to make a last and desperate stand; for if beaten here, the feebler defences at the gates of the city, four miles off, could not, as was well known to both parties, delay the victors an hour. The capital of an ancient empire, now of a great republic, or an early peace, the assailants were resolved to win. Not an American, and we were less than a third of the enemy's numbers, had a doubt as to the result.

The fortified church or convent, hotly pressed by Twiggs, (p. 319) had already held out about an hour, when Worth and Pillow, the latter having with him Cadwallader's brigade, began to manoeuvre closely upon the tête-de-pont, with the convent at half gunshot to their left. Garland's brigade (Worth's division), to which had been added the light battalion under Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith, continued to advance in front and under the fire of a long line of infantry off on the left of the bridge; and Clarke, of the same division, directed his brigade along the road or close by its side. Two of Pillow's and Cadwallader's regiments, the 11th and 14th, supported and participated in this direct movement; the other (the Voltigeurs) was left in reserve. Most of these corps, particularly Clarke's brigade, advancing perpendicularly, were made to suffer much by the fire of the tête-de-pont, and they would have suffered greatly more by flank attacks from the convent, but for the pressure of Twiggs on the other side of that work.

This well-combined and daring movement at length reached the principal point of attack, and the formidable tête-de-pont was at once assaulted and carried by the bayonet. Its deep wet ditch was first gallantly crossed by the 8th and 5th Infantry, commanded respectively by Major Waite and Lieutenant-Colonel Martin Scott, followed closely by the 6th Infantry (same brigade), which had been so much exposed on the road, the 11th regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, and the 14th, commanded by Colonel Trousdale, both of Cadwallader's brigade, Pillow's division. About the same time the enemy in front of Garland, after a hot conflict of an hour and a half, gave way in a retreat toward the capital.

The immediate result of this third signal triumph of the day were three field pieces, one hundred and ninety-two prisoners, much ammunition, and two colors taken at the tête-de-pont.

Lieutenant I. F. Irons, 1st Artillery, aid-de-camp to Brigadier-General Cadwallader, a young officer of great merit and conspicuous in battle on several previous occasions, received in front of the work a mortal wound. (Since dead.)

As the concurrent attack upon the convent favored physically and morally the assault upon the tête-de-pont, so reciprocally, no doubt, the fall of the latter contributed to the capture of the former. The two works were only some four hundred and fifty yards apart; and as soon as we were in possession of the tête-de-pont, a captured four-pounder was turned and fired, first by Captain Larkin Smith, and next by Lieutenant Snelling, both of the 8th Infantry, several times upon the convent. In the same brief interval, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan (also of Worth's division) gallantly brought two of his guns to bear at a short range from the San Antonio road, upon the principal face of the work and on the tower of the church, which in the obstinate contest, had been often refilled with some of the best sharpshooters of the enemy.

Finally, twenty minutes after the tête-de-pont had been carried by Worth and Pillow, and at the end of a desperate conflict of two hours and a half, the church or convent, the citadel of the strong line of defence along the rivulet of Churubusco, yielded to Twiggs' division, and threw out on all sides signals of surrender. The white flags, however, were not exhibited until the moment when the 3d Infantry, under Captain Alexander, had cleared the way by fire and bayonet, and had entered the work. Captain I. M. Smith and Lieutenant O. L. Shepherd, both of that regiment, with their companies, had the glory of leading the assault. (p. 320) The former received the surrender, and Captain Alexander instantly hung out from the balcony the colors of the gallant 3d. Major Dimick, with a part of the 1st Artillery, serving as infantry, entered nearly abreast with the leading troops.

Captain Taylor's field battery, attached to Twiggs' division, opened its effective fire at an early moment upon the outworks of the convent and the tower of its church. Exposed to the severest fire of the enemy, the captain, his officers and men, won universal admiration; but at length, much disabled in men and horses, the battery was by superior orders withdrawn from the action thirty minutes before the surrender of the convent.

Those corps, excepting Taylor's battery, belonged to the brigade of Brigadier-General P. F. Smith, who closely directed the whole attack with his habitual coolness and ability: while Riley's brigade, the 2d and 7th Infantry, under Captain T. Morris and Lieutenant-Colonel Plympton respectively, vigorously engaged the right of the work and part of its rear. At the moment the Rifles, belonging to Smith's, were detached in support of Brigadier-General Shields on our extreme left, and the 4th Artillery, acting as infantry, under Major Gardner, belonging to Riley's brigade, had been left in charge of the camp, trophies, etc., at Contreras. Twiggs' division at Churubusco had thus been deprived of the services of two of its most gallant and effective regiments.

The immediate results of this victory were: the capture of seven field pieces, some ammunition, one color, three generals, and one thousand two hundred and sixty-one prisoners, including other officers.

Captains E. A. Capron and M. J. Burke, and Lieutenant G. Hoffman, all of the 1st Artillery, and Captain J. W. Anderson and Lieutenant Thomas Easley, both of the 2d Infantry, five officers of great merit, fell gallantly before this work.

The capture of the enemy's citadel was the fourth great achievement of our arms in the same day.

It has been stated that some two hours and a half before, Pierce's, followed closely by the volunteer brigade, both under the command of Brigadier-General Shields, had been dispatched to our left to turn the enemy's works; to prevent the escape of the garrisons and to oppose the extention of the enemy's numerous corps from the rear upon and around our left.

Considering the inferior numbers of the two brigades, the objects of the movement were difficult to accomplish. Hence the re-enforcement (the Rifles, etc.,) sent forward a little later.

In a winding march of a mile around to the right, this temporary division found itself on the edge of an open wet meadow, near the road from San Antonio to the capital, and in the presence of some four thousand of the enemy's infantry, a little in rear of Churubusco, on that road. Establishing the right at a strong building, Shields extended his left parallel to the road, to outflank the enemy toward the capital. But the enemy extending his right, supported by three thousand cavalry, more rapidly (being favored by better ground) in the same direction, Shields concentrated the division about a hamlet and determined to attack in front. The battle was long, hot and varied; but, ultimately, success crowned the zeal and gallantry of our troops, ably (p. 321) directed by their distinguished commander, Brigadier-General Shields. The 9th, 12th and 15th regiments, under Colonel Ransom, Captain Wood, and Colonel Morgan respectively, of Pierce's brigade (Pillow's division), and the New York and South Carolina Volunteers, under Colonels Burnett and Butler respectively, of Shields' own brigade (Quitman's division), together with the mountain howitzer battery, now under Lieutenant Reno of the Ordnance Corps, all shared in the glory of this action, our fifth victory in the same day.

Brigadier-General Pierce, from the hurt of the evening before, under pain and exhaustion, fainted in the action. Several other changes in command occurred on this field. Thus Colonel Morgan being severely wounded, the command of the 15th Infantry devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Howard; Colonel Burnett receiving a like wound, the command of the New York Volunteers fell to Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter; and, on the fall of the lamented Colonel P. M. Butler, earlier badly wounded, but continuing to lead nobly in the hottest of the battle, the command of the South Carolina Volunteers devolved, first, on Lieutenant-Colonel Dickenson, who being severely wounded (as before in the siege of Vera Cruz), the regiment ultimately fell under the orders of Major Gladden.

Lieutenants David Adams and W. R. Williams of the same corps; Captain Augustus Quarks and Lieutenant J. B. Goodman of the 15th, and Lieutenant E. Chandler, New York Volunteers, all gallant officers, nobly fell in the same action.

Shields took three hundred and eighty prisoners, including officers; and it cannot be doubted that the rage of the conflict between him and the enemy, just in the rear of the tête-de-pont and the convent, had some influence on the surrender of those formidable defences.

As soon as the tête-de-pont was carried, the greater part of Worth's and Pillow's forces passed that bridge in rapid pursuit of the flying enemy. These distinguished generals, coming up with Brigadier-General Shields, now also victorious, the three continued to press upon the fugitives to within a mile and a half of the capital. Here, Colonel Harney, with a small part of his brigade of cavalry, rapidly passed to the front, and charged the enemy up to the nearest gate.

The cavalry charge was headed by Captain Kearny, of the 1st Dragoons, having in squadron with his own troop, that of Captain M'Reynolds of the 3d making the usual escort to general headquarters; but, being early in the day detached for general service, was now under Colonel Hamey's orders. The gallant captain not hearing the recall, that had been sounded, dashed up to the San Antonio gate, sabring in his way all who resisted. Of the seven officers of the squadron, Kearny lost his left arm; M'Reynolds and Lieutenant Lorimer Graham were both severely wounded, and Lieutenant R. S. Ewell, who succeeded to the command of the escort, had two horses killed under him. Major F. D. Mills of the 15th Infantry, a volunteer in this charge, was killed at the gate.

So terminated the series of events which I have but feebly presented. My thanks were freely poured out on the different fields, to the abilities and science of generals and other officers, to the zeal and prowess of all, the rank and file included. But a reward infinitely higher, the applause of a grateful country and government, will, I cannot doubt, be accorded in due time to so much merit of every sort displayed (p. 322) by this glorious army, which has now overcome all difficulties: distance, climate, ground, fortifications, numbers.

It has in a single day, in many battles, as often defeated thirty-two thousand men; made about three thousand prisoners, including eight generals (two of them ex-presidents), and two hundred and five other officers; killed or wounded four thousand of all ranks, besides entire corps dispersed and dissolved; captured thirty-seven pieces of ordnance, more than trebling our siege train and field batteries, with a large number of small arms, a full supply of ammunition of every kind, etc. etc.

These great results have overwhelmed the enemy. Our loss amounts to one thousand and fifty-three: killed, one hundred and thirty-nine, including sixteen officers; wounded, eight hundred and seventy-six, with sixty officers. The greater number of the dead and disabled were of the highest worth. Those under treatment, thanks to our very able medical officers, are doing well.

I regret having been obliged, on the 20th, to leave Major-General Quitman, an able commander, with a part of his division, the fine 2d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the veteran detachment of United States marines, at our important depot, San Augustin. It was there that I had placed our sick and wounded, the siege, supply and baggage trains. If these had been lost, the army would have been driven almost to despair; and considering the enemy's very great excess of numbers, and the many approaches to the depot, it might well have become, emphatically, the post of honor.

After so many victories, we might, with but little additional loss, have occupied the capital the same evening. But Mr. Trist, commissioner, etc., as well as myself, had been admonished by the best friends of peace, intelligent neutrals, and some American residents, against precipitation, lest, by wantonly driving away the government and others, dishonored, we might scatter the elements of peace, excite a spirit of national desperation and thus indefinitely postpone the hope of accommodation.

Deeply impressed with this danger, and remembering our mission, to conquer a peace, the army very cheerfully sacrificed to patriotism, to the great wish and want of our country, the éclat that would have followed an entrance, sword in hand, into a great capital. Willing to leave something to this republic, of no immediate value to us, on which to rest her pride, and to recover temper, I halted our victorious corps at the gates of the city (at least for a time), and have them now cantoned in the neighboring villages, where they are well sheltered and supplied with all necessaries.

On the morning of the 21st, being about to take up battering or assaulting position, to authorize me to summon the city to surrender, or to sign an armistice with a pledge to enter at once into negotiations for peace, a mission came out to propose a truce. Rejecting its terms, I dispatched my contemplated note to President Santa Anna, omitting the summons. The 22d, commissioners were appointed by the commanders of the two armies; the armistice was signed the 23d, and ratifications exchanged the 24th.

All matters in dispute between the two governments have been thus happily turned over to their plenipotentiaries, who have now had several conferences, and with, I think, some hope of signing a treaty of peace.

There will be transmitted to the adjutant-general reports from divisions, brigades, etc., on the foregoing operations, to which I must refer, with my hearty concurrence in the just applause (p. 323) bestowed on corps and individuals by their respective commanders. I have been able, this report being necessarily a summary, to bring out, comparatively, but little of individual merit not lying directly in the way of the narrative. Thus I doubt whether I have, in express terms, given my approbation and applause to the commanders of divisions and independent brigades; but left their fame upon higher grounds, the simple record of their great deeds and the brilliant results.

To the staff, both general and personal, attached to general headquarters, I was again under high obligations for services in the field, as always in the bureau, I add their names, etc.: Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, Acting Inspector General; Major J. L. Smith, Captain R. E. Lee (as distinguished for felicitous execution as for science and daring), Captain Mason, Lieutenants Stevens, Beauregard, Tower, G. W. Smith, George B. McClellan, and Foster, all of the Engineers; Major Turnbull, Captain J. McClellan, and Lieutenant Hardcastle, Topographical Engineers; Captain Huger and Lieutenant Hagner, of the Ordnance; Captains Irwin and Wayne, of the Quartermaster's Department; Captain Grayson, of the Commissariat; Surgeon-General Lawson, in his particular department; Captain H. L. Scott, Acting Adjutant-General; Lieutenant T. Williams, Aid-de-Camp, and Lieutenant Lay, Military Secretary.

Lieutenant Schuyler Hamilton, another aid-de-camp, had a week before been thrown out of activity by a severe wound received in a successful charge of cavalry against cavalry, and four times his numbers; but on the 20th, I had the valuable services, as volunteer aids, of Majors Kirby and Van Buren, of the Pay Department, always eager for activity and distinction, and of a third, the gallant Major J. P. Gaines, of the Kentucky Volunteers.

I have the honor to be, Sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, Tacubaya, near Mexico, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. September 11, 1847.

Sir: I have heretofore reported that I had, August 24, concluded an armistice with President Santa Anna, which was promptly followed by meetings between Mr. Trist and Mexican commissioners appointed to treat of peace.

Negotiations were actively continued with, as was understood, some prospect of a successful result, up to the 2d instant, when our commissioner handed in his ultimatum (on boundaries), and the negotiators adjourned to meet again on the 6th.

Some infractions of the truce in respect to our supplies from the city, were earlier committed, followed by apologies on the part of the enemy. These vexations I was willing to put down to the imbecility of the government, and waived any pointed demands of reparation while any hope remained of a satisfactory termination of the war. But on the 5th, and more fully on the sixth, (p. 324) I learned that as soon as the ultimatum had been considered in a grand council of ministers and others, President Santa Anna on the 4th or 5th, without giving me the slightest notice, actively recommenced strengthening the military defences of the city, in gross violation of the 3d article of the armistice.

On that information, which has since received the fullest verification, I addressed to him my note of the 6th. His reply, dated the same day, received the next morning, was absolutely and notoriously false, both in recrimination and explanation. I enclose copies of both papers, and have had no subsequent correspondence with the enemy.

Being delayed by the terms of the armistice more than two weeks, we had now, late on the 7th, to begin to reconnoitre the different approaches to the city, within our reach, before I could lay down any definitive plan of attack.

The same afternoon a large body of the enemy was discovered hovering about the Molinos del Rey, within a mile and a third of this village, where I am quartered with the general staff and Worth's division.

It might have been supposed that an attack upon us was intended; but knowing the great value to the enemy of those mills (Molinos del Rey), containing a cannon foundry, with a large deposit of powder in Casa Mata near them, and having heard two days before that many church bells had been sent to be cast into guns, the movement was easily understood, and I resolved at once to drive him early the next morning, to seize the powder, and to destroy the foundry.

Another motive for this decision, leaving the general plan of attack upon the city for full reconnoissance, was, that we knew our recent captures had left the enemy not a fourth of the guns necessary to arm, all at the same time, the strong works at each of the eight city gates; and we could not cut the communication between the foundry and the capital without first taking the formidable castle on the heights of Chapultepec, which overlooked both and stood between.

For this difficult operation we were not entirely ready, and moreover we might altogether neglect the castle, if, as we then hoped, our reconnoissances should prove that the distant southern approaches to the city were more eligible than this southwestern one.

Hence the decision promptly taken, the execution of which was assigned to Brevet Major-General Worth, whose division was re-enforced with Cadwallader's brigade of Pillow's division, three squadrons of dragoons under Major Sumner, and some heavy guns of the siege train under Captain Huger of the Ordnance, and Captain Drum of the 4th Artillery, two officers of the highest merit.

For the decisive and brilliant results, I beg to refer to the report of the immediate commander, Major-General Worth, in whose commendations of the gallant officers and men, dead and living, I heartily concur, having witnessed, but with little indifference, their noble devotion to fame and to country.

The enemy having several times re-enforced his line, and the action soon becoming much more general than I had expected, I called up, from the distance of three miles, first Major-General Pillow, with his remaining brigade (Pierce's), and next Riley's brigade of Twiggs' division, leaving his other brigade (Smith's) in observation at San Angel. Those corps approached with zeal (p. 325) and rapidity, but the battle was won just as Brigadier-General Pierce reached the ground, and had interposed his corps between Garland's brigade (Worth's division) and the retreating enemy.

The accompanying report mentions, with just commendation, two of my volunteer aids: Major Kirby, Paymaster, and Major Gaines, of the Kentucky Volunteers. I also had the valuable services, on the same field, of several officers of my staff, general and personal: Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, Acting Inspector-General; Captain R. E. Lee, Engineer; Captain Irwin, Chief Quartermaster; Captain Grayson, Chief Commissary; Captain H. L. Scott, Acting Adjutant-General; Lieutenant Williams, Aid-de-Camp; and Lieutenant Lay, Military Secretary.

I have the honor to be, Sir, with high respect, your obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

_____

General Scott to the Secretary of War.

To the Honorable Headquarters of the Army, William L. MARCY, National Palace of Mexico, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. September 18th, 1847.

Sir: At the end of another series of arduous and brilliant operations of more than forty-eight hours' continuance, this glorious army hoisted, on the morning of the 14th, the colors of the United States on the walls of this palace.

The victory of the 8th, at the Molinos del Rey, was followed by daring reconnaissances on the part of our distinguished engineers, Captain Lee, Lieutenants Beauregard, Stevens, and Tower: Major Smith, senior, being sick, and Captain Mason, third in rank, wounded. Their operations were directed principally to the south, towards the gates of the Piedad, San Angel, (Nino Perdido,) San Antonio, and the Paseo de la Viga.

This city stands on a slight swell of ground, near the centre of an irregular basin, and is girdled with a ditch in its greater extent, a navigable canal of great breadth and depth, very difficult to bridge in the presence of an enemy, and serving at once for drainage, custom-house purposes, and military defence; leaving eight entrances or gates, over arches, each of which we found defended by a system of strong works, that seemed to require nothing but some men and guns to be impregnable.

Outside and within the cross-fires of those gates, we found to the south other obstacles but little less formidable. All the approaches near the city are over elevated causeways, cut in many places (to oppose us), and flanked on both sides by ditches, also of unusual dimensions. The numerous cross-roads are flanked in like manner, having bridges at the intersections, recently broken. The meadows thus checkered are, moreover, in many spots, under water or marshy; for, it will be remembered, we were in the midst of the wet season, though with less rain than usual, and we could not wait for the fall of the neighboring lakes and the consequent drainage of the wet grounds at the edge of the (p. 326) city, the lowest in the whole basin.

After a close personal survey of the southern gates, covered by Pillow's division and Riley's brigade of Twiggs', with four times our numbers concentrated in our immediate front, I determined on the 11th to avoid that network of obstacles, and to seek, by a sudden diversion to the southwest and west, less unfavorable approaches.

To economize the lives of our gallant officers and men, as well as to ensure success, it became indispensable that this resolution should be long masked from the enemy; and again, that the new movement, when discovered, should be mistaken for a feint, and the old as indicating our true and ultimate point of attack.

Accordingly, on the spot, the 11th, I ordered Quitman's division from Coyoacan, to join Pillow, by daylight, before the southern gates, and then that the two major-generals, with their divisions, should, by night, proceed (two miles) to join me at Tacubaya, where I was quartered with Worth's division. Twiggs, with Riley's brigade and Captain Taylor's and Steptoe's field batteries, the latter of twelve-pounders, was left in front of those gates to manoeuvre, to threaten, or to make false attacks, in order to occupy and deceive the enemy. Twiggs' other brigade (Smith's) was left at supporting distance, in the rear, at San Angel, till the morning of the 13th, and also to support our general depot at Miscoac. The stratagem against the south was admirably executed throughout the 12th and down to the afternoon of the 13th, when it was too late for the enemy to recover from the effects of his delusion.

The first step in the new movement was to carry Chapultepec, a natural and isolated mound of great elevation, strongly fortified at its base, on its acclivities and heights. Besides a numerous garrison, here was the military college of the republic, with a large number of sub-lieutenants and other students. Those works were within direct gun-shot of the village of Tacubaya, and, until carried, we could not approach the city on the west without making a circuit too wide and too hazardous.

In the course of the same night (that of the 11th) heavy batteries, within easy ranges, were established. No. 1, on our right, under the command of Captain Drum, 4th Artillery (relieved late next day, for some hours, by Lieutenant Andrews, of the 3d), and No. 2, commanded by Lieutenant Hagner, Ordnance, both supported by Pillow's division, were commanded, the former, by Captain Brooks and Lieutenant S. S. Anderson, 2d Artillery, alternately, and the latter by Lieutenant Stone, Ordnance. The batteries were traced by Captain Huger and Captain Lee, Engineer, and constructed by them with the able assistance of the young officers of those corps and the Artillery.

To prepare for an assault, it was foreseen that the play of the batteries might run into the second day; but recent captures had not only trebled our siege-pieces, but also our ammunition; and we knew that we should greatly augment both by carrying the place. I was, therefore, in no haste in ordering an assault before the works were well crippled by our missiles.

The bombardment and cannonade, under the direction of Captain Huger, were commenced early in the morning of the 12th. Before nightfall, which necessarily stopped our batteries, we had perceived that a good impression had been made on the castle and its outworks, and that a large body of the enemy had remained outside, towards the city, from an early hour to avoid our (p. 327) fire, and to be at hand on its cessation, in order to re-enforce the garrison against an assault. The same outside force was discovered the next morning, after our batteries had re-opened upon the castle, by which we again reduced its garrison to the minimum needed for the guns.

Pillow and Quitman had been in position since early in the night of the 11th. Major-General Worth was now ordered to hold his division in reserve, near the foundry, to support Pillow; and Brigadier-General Smith, of Twiggs' division, had just arrived with his brigade from Piedad (two miles), to support Quitman. Twiggs' guns, before the southern gates, again reminded us, as the day before, that he, with Riley's brigade, and Taylor's and Steptoe's batteries, was in activity, threatening the southern gates, and there holding a great part of the Mexican army on the defensive.

Worth's division furnished Pillow's attack with an assaulting party of some two hundred and fifty volunteer officers and men, under Captain McKenzie, of the 2d Artillery; and Twiggs' division supplied a similar one, commanded by Captain Casey, 2d Infantry, to Quitman. Each of these little columns was furnished with scaling ladders.

The signal I had appointed for the attack was the momentary cessation of fire on the part of our heavy batteries. About 8 o'clock in the morning of the 13th, judging that the time had arrived by the effect of the missiles we had thrown, I sent an aid-de-camp to Pillow, and another to Quitman, with notice that the concerted signal was about to be given. Both columns now advanced with an alacrity that gave assurance of prompt success. The batteries, seizing opportunities, threw shots and shells upon the enemy over the heads of our men, with good effect, particularly at every attempt to re-enforce the works from without to meet our assault.

Major-General Pillow's approach, on the west side, lay through an open grove, filled with sharp-shooters, who were speedily dislodged; when being up with the front of the attack, and emerging into open space, at the foot of a rocky acclivity, that gallant leader was struck down by an agonizing wound. The immediate command devolved on Brigadier-General Cadwallader, in the absence of the senior brigadier (Pierce) of the same division, an invalid since the events of August 19. On a previous call of Pillow, Worth had just sent him a re-enforcement, Colonel Clarke's brigade.

The broken acclivity was still to be ascended, and a strong redoubt, midway, to be carried, before reaching the castle on the heights. The advance of our brave men, led by brave officers, though necessarily slow, was unwavering, over rocks, chasms, and mines, and under the hottest fire of cannon and musketry. The redoubt now yielded to resistless valor, and the shouts that followed announced to the castle the fate that impended. The enemy were steadily driven from shelter to shelter. The retreat allowed no time to fire a single mine, without the certainty of blowing up friend and foe. Those who at a distance attempted to apply matches to the long trains, were shot down by our men. There was death below, as well as above ground. At length the ditch and wall of the main work was reached; the scaling ladders were brought up and planted by the storming parties; some of the daring spirits first in the assault were cast down, killed or wounded; but a lodgment was soon made; streams of heroes (p. 328) followed; all opposition was overcome, and several of our regimental colors flung out from the upper walls, amidst long-continued shouts and cheers, which sent dismay into the capital. No scene could have been more animating or glorious.

Major-General Quitman, nobly supported by Brigadier-Generals Shields and Smith, (P. F.,) his other officers and men, was up with the part assigned him. Simultaneously with the movement on the west, he had gallantly approached the southeast of the same works, over a causeway with cuts and batteries, and defended by an army strongly posted outside, to the east of the works. Those formidable obstacles Quitman had to face, with but little shelter for his troops or space for manoeuvring. Deep ditches flanked the causeway, made it difficult to cross on either side into the adjoining meadows, and these again were intersected by other ditches. Smith and his brigade had been early thrown out to make a sweep to the right, in order to present a front against the enemy's lines, (outside,) and to turn two intervening batteries near the foot of Chapultepec. This movement was also intended to support Quitman's storming parties, both on the causeway. The first of these, furnished by Twiggs' division, was commanded in succession by Captain Casey, 2d Infantry, and Captain Paul, 7th Infantry, after Casey had been severely wounded; and the second, originally under the gallant Major Twiggs, Marine Corps, killed, and then Captain Miller, 2d Pennsylvania Volunteers. The storming party, now commanded by Captain Paul, seconded by Captain Roberts, of the Rifles, Lieutenant Stewart, and others of the same regiment, Smith's brigade, carried the two batteries in the road, took some guns, with many prisoners, and drove the enemy posted behind in support. The New York and South Carolina Volunteers (Shields' brigade) and the 2d Pennsylvania Volunteers, all on the left of Quitman's line, together with portions of his storming parties, crossed the meadows in front, under a heavy fire, and entered the outer enclosure of Chapultepec just in time to join in the final assault from the west.

Besides Major-Generals Pillow and Quitman, Brigadier-Generals Shields, Smith, and Cadwallader, the following are the officers and corps most distinguished in those brilliant operations: The Voltigeur regiment in two detachments, commanded respectively by Colonel Andrews and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnstone, the latter mostly in the lead, accompanied by Major Caldwell; Captains Barnard and Biddle, of the same regiment, the former the first to plant a regimental color, and the latter among the first in the assault; the storming party of Worth's division, under Captain McKenzie, 2d Artillery, with Lieutenant Selden, 8th Infantry, early on the ladder and badly wounded; Lieutenant Armistead, 6th Infantry, the first to leap into the ditch to plant a ladder; Lieutenants Rodgers of the 4th, and J. P. Smith of the 5th Infantry, both mortally wounded; the 9th Infantry, under Colonel Ransom, who was killed while gallantly leading that gallant regiment, the 15th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard and Major Woods, with Captain Chase, whose company gallantly carried the redoubt, midway up the acclivity; Colonel Clarke's brigade (Worth's division) consisting of the 5th, 8th, and part of the 6th regiments of Infantry, commanded respectively by Captain Chapman, Major Montgomery, and Lieutenant Edward Johnson, the latter specially noticed, with Lieutenants Longstreet (badly wounded, advancing, colors in hand), Pickett, and Merchant, the last three of the 8th Infantry; portions of the United States (p. 329) marines, New York, South Carolina, and 2d Pennsylvania Volunteers, which, delayed with their division (Quitman's) by the hot engagement below, arrived just in time to participate in the assault of the heights, particularly a detachment under Lieutenant Reid, New York Volunteers, consisting of a company of the same, with one of marines; and another detachment, a portion of the storming party, (Twiggs' division, serving with Quitman,) under Lieutenant Steele, 2d Infantry, after the fall of Lieutenant Gantt, 7th Infantry.

In this connection, it is but just to recall the decisive effect of the heavy batteries, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, commanded by those excellent officers, Captain Drum, 4th Artillery, assisted by Lieutenants Benjamin and Porter of his own company; Captain Brooks and Lieutenant Anderson, 2d Artillery, assisted by Lieutenant Russell, 4th Infantry, a volunteer; Lieutenants Hagner and Stone of the Ordnance, and Lieutenant Andrews, 3d Artillery; the whole superintended by Captain Huger, chief of Ordnance with this army, an officer distinguished by every kind of merit. The mountain howitzer battery, under Lieutenant Reno, of the Ordnance, deserves, also, to be particularly mentioned. Attached to the Voltigeurs, it followed the movements of that regiment, and again won applause.

In adding to the list of individuals of conspicuous merit, I must limit myself to a few of the many names which might be enumerated. Captain Hooker, assistant adjutant-general, who won special applause, successively, in the staff of Pillow and Cadwallader; Lieutenant Lovell, 4th Artillery (wounded), chief of Quitman's staff; Captain Page, assistant adjutant-general (wounded), and Lieutenant Hammond, 3d Artillery, both of Shields' staff, and Lieutenant Van Dorn (17th Infantry), aid-de-camp to Brigadier-General Smith.

Those operations all occurred on the west, southeast, and heights of Chapultepec. To the north and at the base of the mound, inaccessible on that side, the 11th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Hebert, the 14th, under Colonel Trousdale, and Captain Magruder's field battery, 1st Artillery: one section advanced under Lieutenant Jackson, all of Pillow's division, had, at the same time, some spirited affairs against superior numbers, driving the enemy from a battery in the road, and capturing a gun. In these, the officers and corps named gained merited praise. Colonel Trousdale, the commander, though twice wounded, continued on duty until the heights were carried.

Early in the morning of the 13th, I repeated the orders of the night before to Major-General Worth, to be, with his division, at hand to support the movement of Major-General Pillow from our left. The latter seems soon to have called for that entire division, standing momentarily in reserve, and Worth sent him Colonel Clarke's brigade. The call, if not unnecessary, was at least, from the circumstances, unknown to me at the time; for, soon observing that the very large body of the enemy, in the road in front of Major-General Quitman's right, was receiving re-enforcements from the city, less than a mile and a half to the east, I sent instructions to Worth, on our opposite flank, to turn Chapultepec with his division, and to proceed cautiously by the road at its northern base, in order, if not met by very superior numbers, to threaten or to attack, in rear, that body of the enemy. The movement, it was also believed, could not fail to distract and to intimidate the enemy generally.

Worth promptly advanced with his remaining brigade, Colonel (p. 330) Garland's, Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Smith's light battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan's field battery, all of his division, and three squadrons of dragoons, under Major Sumner, which I had just ordered up to join in the movement.

Having turned the forest on the west, and arriving opposite to the north centre of Chapultepec, Worth came up with the troops in the road, under Colonel Trousdale, and aided, by a flank movement of a part of Garland's brigade, in taking the one gun breastwork, then under the fire of Lieutenant Jackson's section of Captain Magruder's field battery. Continuing to advance, this division passed Chapultepec, attacking the right of the enemy's line, resting on that road, about the moment of the general retreat consequent upon the capture of the formidable castle and its outworks.

Arriving some minutes later, and mounting to the top of the castle, the whole field to the east lay plainly under my view.

There are two routes from Chapultepec to the capital, the one on the right entering the same gate, Belen, with the road from the south, via Piedad; and the other obliquing to the left, to intersect the great western or San Cosmo road, in a suburb outside of the gate of San Cosmo.

Each of these routes (an elevated causeway) presents a double roadway on the sides of an aqueduct of strong masonry and great height, resting on open arches and massive pillars, which together afford fine points both for attack and defence. The sideways of both aqueducts are, moreover, defended by many strong breastworks at the gates, and before reaching them. As we had expected, we found the four tracks unusually dry and solid for the season.

Worth and Quitman were prompt in pursuing the retreating enemy, the former by the San Cosmo aqueduct, and the latter along that of Belen. Each had now advanced some hundred yards.

Deeming it all important to profit by our successes, and the consequent dismay of the enemy, which could not be otherwise than general, I hastened to dispatch from Chapultepec, first Clarke's brigade, and then Cadwallader's, to the support of Worth, and gave orders that the necessary heavy guns should follow. Pierce's brigade was, at the same time, sent to Quitman, and, in the course of the afternoon, I caused some additional siege pieces to be added to his train. Then, after designating the 15th Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Howard (Morgan, the Colonel, had been disabled by a wound at Churubusco), as the garrison of Chapultepec, and giving directions for the care of the prisoners of war, the captured ordnance and ordnance stores, I proceeded to join the advance of Worth, within the suburb, and beyond the turn at the junction of the aqueduct with the great highway from the west to the gate of San Cosmo.

At this junction of roads, we first passed one of these formidable systems of city defences, spoken of above, and it had not a gun! a strong proof, 1. That the enemy had expected us to fail in the attack upon Chapultepec, even if we meant anything more than a feint; 2. That, in either case, we designed, in his belief, to return and double our forces against the southern gates: a delusion kept up by the active demonstration of Twiggs and the forces posted on that side; and, 3. That advancing rapidly from the reduction of Chapultepec, the enemy had not time to shift guns--our previous captures had left him, (p. 331) comparatively, but few--from the southern gates.

Within those disgarnished works, I found our troops engaged in a street fight against the enemy posted in gardens, at windows, and on house-tops, all flat, with parapets. Worth ordered forward the mountain howitzers of Cadwallader's brigade, preceded by skirmishers and pioneers with pickaxes and crowbars, to force windows and doors, or to burrow through walls. The assailants were soon in an equality of position fatal to the enemy. By eight o'clock in the evening, Worth had carried two batteries in this suburb. According to my instructions, he here posted guards and sentinels, and placed his troops under shelter for the night. There was but one more obstacle, the San Cosmo gate, (custom-house,) between him and the great square in front of the cathedral and palace, the heart of the city; and that barrier it was known could not, by daylight, resist our siege guns thirty minutes.

I had gone back to the foot of Chapultepec, the point from which the two aqueducts begin to diverge, some hours earlier, in order to be near that new depot, and in easy communication with Quitman and Twiggs, as well as with Worth.

From this point I ordered all detachments and stragglers to their respective corps, then in advance; sent to Quitman additional siege guns, ammunition, intrenching tools; directed Twiggs' remaining brigade, Riley's from Piedad, to support Worth, and Captain Steptoe's field battery, also at Piedad, to rejoin Quitman's division.

I had been, from the first, well aware that the western or San Cosmo, was the less difficult route to the centre, and conquest of the capital, and therefore intended that Quitman should only manoeuvre and threaten the Belen or southwestern gate, in order to favor the main attack by Worth, knowing that the strong defences at the Belen were directly under the guns of the much stronger fortress, called the citadel, just within. Both of these defences of the enemy were also within easy supporting distance from San Angel (or Nino Perdido) and San Antonio gates. Hence the greater support, in numbers, given to Worth's movement as the main attack.

These views I repeatedly, in the course of the day, communicated to Major-General Quitman; but being in hot pursuit, gallant himself, and ably supported by Brigadier-Generals Shields and Smith, Shields badly wounded before Chapultepec, and refusing to retire, as well as by all the officers and men of the column, Quitman continued to press forward, under flank and direct fires, carried an intermediate battery of two guns, and then the gate, before two o'clock in the afternoon, but not without proportionate loss, increased by his steady maintenance of that position.

Here, of the heavy battery, (4th Artillery,) Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin were mortally wounded, and Lieutenant Porter, its third in rank, slightly. The loss of those two most distinguished officers the army will long mourn. Lieutenants J. B. Morange and William Canty, of the South Carolina Volunteers, also of high merit, fell on the same occasion, besides many of our bravest non-commissioned officers and men, particularly in Captain Drum's veteran company. I cannot, in this place, give names or numbers; but full returns of the killed and wounded, of all corps, in their recent operations, will accompany this report.

Quitman within the city, adding several new defences to the position he had won, and sheltering his corps as well as practicable, now awaited the return of daylight under the guns of the formidable citadel, yet to be subdued.

About 4 o'clock next morning (September 14th) a deputation (p. 332) of the ayuntamiento (city council) waited upon me to report that the federal government and the army of Mexico had fled from the capital some three hours before; and to demand terms of capitulation in favor of the church, the citizens, and the municipal authorities. I promptly replied that I would sign no capitulation; that the city had been virtually in our possession from the time of the lodgments effected by Worth and Quitman the day before; that I regretted the silent escape of the Mexican army; that I should levy upon the city a moderate contribution, for special purposes; and that the American army should come under no terms not self-imposed: such only as its own honor, the dignity of the United States, and the spirit of the age, should, in my opinion, imperiously demand and impose.

For the terms, so imposed, I refer the department to subsequent General Orders, Nos. 287 and 289 (paragraphs 7, 8, and 9 of the latter), copies of which are herewith enclosed.

At the termination of the interview with the city deputation, I communicated, about daylight, orders to Worth and Quitman to advance slowly and cautiously (to guard against treachery) towards the heart of the city, and to occupy its stronger and more commanding points. Quitman proceeded to the great plaza or square, planted guards, and hoisted the colors of the United States on the national palace, containing the halls of Congress and executive departments of Federal Mexico. In this grateful service Quitman might have been anticipated by Worth, but for my express orders, halting the latter at the head of the Alameda (a green park), within three squares of that goal of general ambition. The capital, however, was not taken by any one or two corps, but by the talent, the science, the gallantry, the prowess of this entire army. In the glorious conquest all had contributed, early and powerfully, the killed, the wounded, and the fit for duty, at Vera Cruz, Cerro-Gordo, Contreras, San Antonio, Churubusco, (three battles,) the Molinos del Rey, and Chapultepec, as much as those who fought at the gates of Belen and San Cosmo.

Soon after we had entered, and were in the act of occupying the city, a fire was opened upon us from the flat roofs of the houses, from windows and corners of streets, by some two thousand convicts, liberated the night before by the flying government, joined by perhaps as many Mexican soldiers, who had disbanded themselves and thrown off their uniforms. This unlawful war lasted more than twenty-four hours, in spite of the exertions of the municipal authorities, and was not put down till we had lost many men, including several officers, killed or wounded, and had punished the miscreants. Their objects were to gratify national hatred, and in the general alarm and confusion, to plunder the wealthy inhabitants, particularly the deserted houses. But families are now generally returning; business of every kind has been resumed, and the city is already tranquil and cheerful, under the admirable conduct (with exceptions very few and trifling) of our gallant troops.

This army has been more disgusted than surprised that by some sinister process on the part of certain individuals at home, its numbers have been, generally, almost trebled in our public papers, beginning at Washington.

Leaving, as we all feared, inadequate garrisons at Vera Cruz, Perote, and Puebla, with much larger hospitals; and being obliged, most reluctantly, from the same cause (general (p. 333) paucity of numbers) to abandon Jalapa, we marched (August 7-10) from Puebla with only 10,738 rank and file. This number includes the garrison of Jalapa, and the 2,429 men brought up by Brigadier-General Pierce, August 6.

At Contreras, Churubusco, etc. (August 20), we had but 8,497 men engaged, after deducting the garrison of San Augustin (our general depot), the intermediate sick and the dead; at the Molinos del Rey (September 8), but three brigades, with some cavalry and artillery, making in all 3,251 men, were in battle; in the two days, September 12th and 13th, our whole operating force, after deducting again the recent killed, wounded, and sick, together with the garrison of Miscoac (the then general depot) and that of Tacubaya, was but 7,180; and, finally, after deducting the new garrison of Chapultepec, with the killed and wounded of the two days, we took possession (September 14th) of this great capital with less than 6,000 men. And I re-assert, upon accumulated and unquestionable evidence, that, in not one of those conflicts was this army opposed by fewer than three and a half times its numbers, in several of them, by a yet greater excess. I recapitulate our losses since we arrived in the basin of Mexico.

August 19-20. Killed, 137, including 14 officers. Wounded, 877, including 62 officers. Missing (probably killed), 38 rank and file. Total 1,052.

September 8. Killed, 116, including 9 officers. Wounded, 665, including 49 officers. Missing, 18 rank and file. Total 789.

September 12, 13, 14. Killed, 130, including 10 officers. Wounded, 703, including 68 officers. Missing, 29 rank and file. Total 862.

Grand total of losses, 2,703, including 383 officers.

On the other hand, this small force has beaten on the same occasions in view of their capital, the whole Mexican army, of (at the beginning) thirty odd thousand men; posted always in chosen positions, behind intrenchments, or more formidable defences of nature and art; killed or wounded, of that number, more than 7,000 officers and men; taken 3,730 prisoners, one-seventh officers, including 13 generals, of whom 3 have been presidents of this republic; captured more than 20 colors and standards, 75 pieces of ordnance, besides 57 wall pieces, 20,000 small arms, an immense quantity of shots, shells, powder, &c., &c.

Of that enemy, once so formidable in numbers, appointments, artillery, &c., twenty odd thousand have disbanded themselves in despair, leaving, as is known, not more than three fragments, the largest about 2,500, now wandering in different directions, without magazines or a military chest, and living at free quarters upon their own people.

General Santa Anna, himself a fugitive, is believed to be on the point of resigning the chief magistracy, and escaping to neutral Guatemala. A new president, no doubt, will soon be declared, and the federal Congress is expected to reassemble at Queretaro, 125 miles north of this, on the Zacatecas road, some time in October. I have seen and given safe conduct through this city to several of its members. The government will find itself without resources; no army, no arsenals, no magazines, and but little revenue, internal or external. Still, such is the obstinacy, or rather infatuation, of this people, that it is very doubtful whether the new authorities will dare to sue for peace on terms which in the recent negotiations were made known by our minister.

In conclusion, I beg to enumerate, once more, with due (p. 334) commendation and thanks, the distinguished staff officers, general and personal, who, in our last operations in front of the enemy, accompanied me, and communicated orders to every point and through every danger. Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, Acting Inspector-General, Major Turnbull and Lieutenant Hardcastle, Topographical Engineers; Major Kirby, Chief Paymaster; Captain Irwin, Chief Quartermaster; Captain Grayson, Chief Commissary; Captain H. L. Scott, Chief in the Adjutant-General's Department; Lieutenant Williams, Aid-de-Camp; Lieutenant Lay, Military Secretary; and Major J. P. Gaines, Kentucky Cavalry, volunteer Aid-de-Camp; Captain Lee, Engineer, so constantly distinguished, also bore important orders from me (September 13), until he fainted from a wound and the loss of two nights' sleep at the batteries. Lieutenants Beauregard, Stevens and Tower, all wounded, were employed with the divisions, and Lieutenants G. W. Smith and G. B. McClellan, with the company of sappers and miners. Those fine Lieutenants of Engineers, like their Captain, won the admiration of all about them. The ordnance officers, Captain Huger, Lieutenants Hagner, Stone, and Reno, were highly effective, and distinguished at the several batteries; and I must add that Captain McKinstry, Assistant Quartermaster, at the close of the operations, executed several important commissions for me as a special volunteer.

Surgeon-General Lawson, and the medical staff generally, were skillful and untiring, in and out of fire, in ministering to the numerous wounded.

To illustrate the operations in this basin, I enclose two beautiful drawings, prepared under the directions of Major Turnbull, mostly from actual surveys.

I have the honor to be, Sir, with high respect, your most obedient servant, Winfield SCOTT.

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General Orders No. 286.

Head-quarters of the Army, National Palace of Mexico, September, 1847.

The general-in-chief calls upon his brethren in arms to return, both in public and in private worship, thanks and gratitude to God for the signal triumphs which they have recently achieved for their country.

Beginning with the 19th of August, and ending the 14th instant, this army has gallantly fought its way through the fields and forts of Contreras, San Antonio, Churubusco, Molinos del Rey, Chapultepec, and the gates of San Cosmo and Tacubaya or Belen, into the capital of Mexico.

When the very limited numbers who have performed those brilliant deeds shall have become known, the whole world will be astonished, and our own countrymen filled with joy and admiration.

But all is not yet done. The enemy, though scattered and (p. 335) dismayed, has still many fragments of his late army hovering about us, and aided by an exasperated population, he may again reunite in treble our numbers, and fall upon us to advantage if we rest inactive on the security of past victories.

Compactness, vigilance, and discipline are, therefore, our only securities. Let every good officer and man look to those cautions and enjoin them upon all others.

By command of Major-General Scott, H. L. SCOTT, Acting Adjutant-General.

No. 63. (p. 336) PLATE LXIV.

February 22 and 23, 1847.

Major General Zachary Taylor, etc. . Buena Vista Feb 22. &. 23. 1847.

MAJOR-GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR.

MAJOR GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR. RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS: MAY 9. 1848. Undraped bust of General Taylor, facing the right; underneath, branches of oak and laurel, S. ELLIS. DEL. (delineavit.) C. C. WRIGHT. F. (fecit).

BUENA VISTA FEB. 22. & 23. 1847. Within a circle formed by two serpents, one of which is a rattlesnake, the American army, commanded by General Taylor, is repulsing the attack of the Mexicans. Beneath are branches of cactus and oak. F. A. SMITH DEL. (delineavit.) C. C. WRIGHT SCULP. (sculpsit).

FREDERIC AUGUSTUS SMITH was graduated at West Point as second lieutenant of engineers, July 1, 1833. He was appointed captain, July, 1838, and died in Washington, District of Columbia, October 16, 1852. He designed the reverse of the medal to Major-General Taylor for Buena Vista.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to General Taylor.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress are due, and they are hereby tendered to Major-General Zachary Taylor, and, through him, to the officers and soldiers of the regular army and of the volunteers under (p. 337) his command, for their valor, skill, and good conduct, conspicuously displayed, on the twenty-second and twenty-third days of February last, in the battle of Buena Vista, in defeating a Mexican army of more than four times their number, consisting of chosen troops, under their favorite commander, General Santa Anna.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be struck a gold medal, with devices emblematical of this splendid achievement, and presented to Major-General Zachary Taylor, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his judicious and distinguished conduct on that memorable occasion.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolutions to be communicated to Major-General Taylor in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect to the object thereof.

Approved May 9, 1848.

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General Taylor to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

To Headquarters, Army of Occupation, THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Agua Nueva, March 6, 1847. Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honor to submit a detailed report of the operations of the forces under my command, which resulted in the engagement of Buena Vista, the repulse of the Mexican army, and the re-occupation of this position.

The information which reached me of the advance and concentration of a heavy Mexican force in my front, had assumed such a probable form, as to induce a special examination far beyond the reach of our pickets to ascertain its correctness. A small party of Texan spies, under Major McCulloch, dispatched to the hacienda of Encarnacion, thirty miles from this, on the route to San Louis Potosi, had reported a cavalry force of unknown strength at that place. On the 20th of February, a strong reconnoissance under Lieutenant-Colonel May was dispatched to the hacienda of Heclionda, while Major McCulloch made another examination of Encarnacion. The result of these expeditions left no doubt that the enemy was in large force at Encarnacion, under the orders of General Santa Anna, and that he meditated a forward movement, and attack upon our position.

As the camp of Agua Nueva could be turned on either flank, and as the enemy's force was greatly superior to our own, particularly in the arm of cavalry, I determined, after much consideration, to take up a position about eleven miles in rear, and there await the attack. The army broke up its camp and marched at noon on the 21st, encamping at the new position a little in front of the hacienda of Buena Vista. With a small force I proceeded to (p. 338) Saltillo, to make some necessary arrangements for the defence of the town, leaving Brigadier-General Wool in the immediate command of the troops.

Before those arrangements were completed, on the morning of the 22d, I was advised that the enemy was in sight, advancing. Upon reaching the ground, it was found that his cavalry advance was in our front, having marched from Encarnacion, as we have since learned, at eleven o'clock on the day previous, and driving in a mounted force, left Agua Nueva to cover the removal of public stores. Our troops were in position, occupying a line of remarkable strength. The road at this point becomes a narrow defile, the valley on its right being rendered quite impracticable for artillery by a system of deep and impassable gullies, while on the left a succession of rugged ridges and precipitous ravines extends far back toward the mountain which bounds the valley. The features of the ground were such as nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry of the enemy, while his infantry could not derive all the advantages of its numerical superiority. In this position we prepared to receive him. Captain Washington's battery (4th Artillery) was posted to command the road, while the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, under Colonels Hardin and Bissell, each eight companies (to the latter of which was attached Captain Conner's company of Texas Volunteers), and the 2d Kentucky, under Colonel McKee, occupied the crests of the ridges on the left and in rear. The Arkansas and Kentucky regiments of cavalry, commanded by Colonels Yell and H. Marshall, occupied the extreme left near the base of the mountain, while the Indiana brigade, under Brigadier-General Lane (composed of the 2d and 3d regiments, under Colonels Bowles and Lane), the Mississippi riflemen, under Colonel Davis, the squadrons of the 1st and 2d Dragoons, under Captain Steen and Lieutenant-Colonel May, and the light batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg, 3d Artillery, were held in reserve.

At eleven o'clock I received from General Santa Anna the following summons to surrender at discretion:

"Camp at Encantada, February 22d, 1847.

"To "GENERAL Z. TAYLOR, "Commanding the Forces of the United States. "God and Liberty!

"You are surrounded by 20,000 men, and cannot, in any human probability, avoid suffering a route, and being cut to pieces with your troops; but as you deserve consideration and particular esteem, I wish to save you from a catastrophe, and for that purpose give you this notice, in order that you may surrender at discretion, under the assurance that you will be treated with the consideration belonging to the Mexican character, to which end you will be granted an hour's time to make up your mind, to commence from the moment when my flag of truce arrives in your camp.

"With this view, I assure you of my particular consideration,

"Antonio LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA."

To this summons I immediately replied in these terms: (p. 339)

"Headquarters, Army Of Occupation, "Near Buena Vista, February 22, 1847.

"SEÑOR GENERAL DON ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA, "Commander-in-Chief, La Encantada.

"Sir: In reply to your note of this date, summoning me to surrender my forces at discretion, I beg leave to say that I decline acceding to your request.

"With high respect, I am, Sir, your obedient servant, "Z. TAYLOR, "Major-General United States Army, commanding."

The enemy still forbore his attack, evidently waiting for the arrival of his rear columns, which could be distinctly seen by our look-outs as they approached the field. A demonstration made on his left caused me to detach the 2d Kentucky regiment and a section of artillery to our right, in which position they bivouacked for the night. In the mean time the Mexican light troops had engaged ours on the extreme left (composed of parts of the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry dismounted, and a rifle battalion from the Indiana brigade, under Major Gorman, the whole commanded by Colonel Marshall), and kept up a sharp fire, climbing the mountain side, and apparently endeavoring to gain our flank. Three pieces of Captain Washington's battery had been detached to the left, and were supported by the 2d Indiana regiment. An occasional shell was thrown by the enemy into this part of our line, but without effect. The skirmishing of the light troops was kept up with trifling loss on our part until dark, when I became convinced that no serious attack would be made before the morning, and returned, with the Mississippi regiment and squadron of 2d Dragoons, to Saltillo. The troops bivouacked without fires, and laid upon their arms. A body of cavalry, some 1500 strong, had been visible all day in rear of the town, having entered the valley through a narrow pass east of the city. This cavalry, commanded by General Minon, had evidently been thrown in our rear to break up and harass our retreat, and perhaps make some attempt against the town if practicable. The city was occupied by four excellent companies of Illinois volunteers, under Major Warren of the 1st regiment. A field-work, which commanded most of the approaches, was garrisoned by Captain Webster's company, 1st Artillery, and armed with two twenty-four-pound howitzers, while the train and headquarter camp was guarded by two companies of Mississippi riflemen, under Captain Rogers, and a field-piece commanded by Captain Shover, 3d Artillery. Having made these dispositions for the protection of the rear, I proceeded on the morning of the 23d to Buena Vista, ordering forward all the other available troops. The action had commenced before my arrival on the field.

During the evening and night of the 22d, the enemy had thrown a body of light troops on the mountain side, with the purpose of outflanking our left; and it was here that the action of the 23d commenced at an early hour. Our riflemen, under Colonel Marshall, who had been re-enforced by three companies, under Major Trail, 2d Illinois Volunteers, maintained their ground handsomely against a greatly superior force, holding themselves under (p. 340) cover, and using their weapons with deadly effect. About eight o'clock a strong demonstration was made against the centre of our position, a heavy column moving along the road. This force was soon dispersed by a few rapid and well-directed shots from Captain Washington's battery. In the mean time the enemy was concentrating a large force of infantry and cavalry under cover of the ridges, with the obvious intention of forcing our left, which was posted on an extensive plateau. The 2d Indiana and 2d Illinois regiments formed this part of our line, the former covering three pieces of light artillery, under the orders of Captain O'Brien, Brigadier-General Lane being in the immediate command. In order to bring his men within effective range, General Lane ordered the artillery and 2d Indiana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry, and was served against it with great effect, but without being able to check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support had fallen back in disorder, being exposed, as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of small arms from the front, but also to a murderous cross-fire of grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Captain O'Brien found it impossible to retain his position without support, but was only able to withdraw two of his pieces, all the horses and cannoneers of the third piece being killed or disabled. The 2d Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as stated, could not be rallied, and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men, who, under its gallant colonel, Bowles, joined the Mississippi regiment; and did good service, and those fugitives who, at a later period in the day, assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista. This portion of our line having given way, and the enemy appearing in overwhelming force against our left flank, the light troops which had rendered such good service on the mountain were compelled to withdraw, which they did, for the most part, in good order. Many, however, were not rallied until they reached the depot at Buena Vista, to the defence of which they afterward contributed.

Colonel Bissell's regiment (2d Illinois) which had been joined by a section of Captain Sherman's battery, had become completely outflanked, and was compelled to fall back, being entirely unsupported. The enemy was now pouring masses of infantry and cavalry along the base of the mountain on our left, and was gaining our rear in great force. At this moment I arrived upon the field. The Mississippi regiment had been directed to the left before reaching the position, and immediately came into action against the Mexican infantry which had turned our flank. The 2d Kentucky regiment, and a section of artillery under Captain Bragg, had previously been ordered from the right to re-enforce our left, and arrived at a most opportune moment. That regiment, and a portion of the 1st Illinois, under Colonel Hardin, gallantly drove the enemy, and recovered a portion of the ground we had lost. The batteries of Captains Sherman and Bragg were in position on the plateau, and did much execution, not only in front, but particularly upon the masses which had gained our rear. Discovering that the enemy was heavily pressing upon the Mississippi regiment, the 3d Indiana regiment, under Colonel Lane, was despatched to strengthen that part of the line, which formed a crotchet perpendicular to the first line of battle. At the same time Lieutenant Kilburn, with a piece of Captain Bragg's battery, was directed to support the infantry there engaged. The action was, for a long time, warmly sustained at that point, (p. 341) the enemy making several efforts, both with infantry and cavalry, against our line, and being always repulsed with heavy loss. I had placed all the regular cavalry, and Captain Pike's squadron of Arkansas horse, under the orders of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel May, with directions to hold in check the enemy's column, still advancing to the rear along the base of the mountain, which was done in conjunction with the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry under Colonels Marshall and Yell.

In the mean time our left, which was still strongly threatened by a superior force, was farther strengthened by the detachment of Captain Bragg's, and a portion of Captain Sherman's batteries to that quarter. The concentration of artillery fire upon the masses of the enemy along the base of the mountain, and the determined resistance offered by the two regiments opposed to them, had created confusion in their ranks, and some of the corps attempted to effect a retreat upon their main line of battle. The squadron of the 1st Dragoons, under Lieutenant Rucker, was now ordered up the deep ravine which these retreating corps were endeavoring to cross, in order to charge and disperse them. The squadron proceeded to the point indicated, but could not accomplish the object, being exposed to a heavy fire from a battery established to cover the retreat of those corps. While the squadron was detached on this service, a large body of the enemy was observed to concentrate on our extreme left, apparently with the view of making a descent upon the hacienda of Buena Vista, where our train and baggage were deposited. Lieutenant-Colonel May was ordered to the support of that point, with two pieces of Captain Sherman's battery under Lieutenant Reynolds. In the mean time, the scattered forces near the hacienda, composed in part of Majors Trail and Gorman's commands, had been, to some extent, organized under the advice of Major Munroe, chief of artillery, with the assistance of Major Morrison, volunteer staff, and were posted to defend the position. Before our cavalry had reached the hacienda, that of the enemy had made its attack; having been handsomely met by the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry under Colonels Marshall and Yell. The Mexican column immediately divided, one portion sweeping by the depot, where it received a destructive fire from the force which had collected there, and then gaining the mountain opposite, under a fire from Lieutenant Reynolds' section, the remaining portion regaining the base of the mountain on our left. In the charge at Buena Vista, Colonel Yell fell gallantly at the head of his regiment; we also lost Adjutant Vaughan, of the Kentucky cavalry, a young officer of much promise. Lieutenant-Colonel May, who had been rejoined by the squadron of the 1st Dragoons, and by portions of the Arkansas and Indiana troops, under Lieutenant-Colonel Roane and Major Gorman, now approached the base of the mountain, holding in check the right flank of the enemy, upon whose masses, crowded in the narrow gorges and ravines, our artillery was doing fearful execution.

The position of that portion of the Mexican army which had gained our rear was now very critical, and it seemed doubtful whether it could regain the main body. At this moment I received from General Santa Anna a message by a staff officer, desiring to know what I wanted. I immediately dispatched Brigadier-General Wool to the Mexican general-in-chief and sent orders to cease firing. Upon reaching the Mexican lines, General Wool could not cause the enemy to cease their fire, and accordingly returned without (p. 342) having an interview. The extreme right of the enemy continued its retreat along the base of the mountain, and finally, in spite of all our efforts, effected a junction with the remainder of the army.

During the day, the cavalry of General Minon had ascended the elevated plain above Saltillo, and occupied the road from the city to the field of battle, where they intercepted several of our men. Approaching the town, they were fired upon by Captain Webster from the redoubt occupied by his company, and then moved off towards the eastern side of the valley, and obliquely toward Buena Vista. At this time Captain Shover moved rapidly forward with his piece, supported by a miscellaneous command of mounted volunteers, and fired several shots at the cavalry with great effect. They were driven into the ravines which lead to the lower valley, closely pursued by Captain Shover, who was farther supported by a piece of Captain Webster's battery, under Lieutenant Donaldson, which had advanced from the redoubt, supported by Captain Wheeler's company of Illinois volunteers. The enemy made one or two efforts to charge the artillery, but was finally driven back in a confused mass, and did not again appear upon the plain.

In the mean time, the firing had partially ceased upon the principal field. The enemy seemed to confine his efforts to the protection of his artillery, and I had left the plateau for a moment, when I was recalled thither by a very heavy musketry fire. On regaining that position, I discovered that our infantry (Illinois and 2d Kentucky) had engaged a greatly superior force of the enemy, evidently his reserve, and that they had been overwhelmed by numbers. The moment was most critical. Captain O'Brien, with two pieces, had sustained this heavy charge to the last, and was finally obliged to leave his guns on the field, his infantry support being entirely routed. Captain Bragg, who had just arrived from the left, was ordered at once into battery. Without any infantry to support him, and at the imminent risk of losing his guns, this officer came rapidly into action, the Mexican line being but a few yards from the muzzles of his pieces. The first discharge of canister caused the enemy to hesitate, the second and third drove him back in disorder, and saved the day. The 2d Kentucky regiment, which had advanced beyond supporting distance in this affair, was driven back and closely pressed by the enemy's cavalry. Taking a ravine which led in the direction of Captain Washington's battery, their pursuers became exposed to his fire, which soon checked and drove them back with loss. In the mean time, the rest of our artillery had taken position on the plateau, covered by the Mississippi and 3d Indiana regiments, the former of which had reached the ground in time to pour a fire into the right flank of the enemy, and thus contribute to his repulse. In this last conflict we had the misfortune to sustain a very heavy loss. Colonel Hardin, 1st Illinois, and Colonel McKee and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay, 2d Kentucky regiment, fell at this time while gallantly leading their commands.

No further attempt was made by the enemy to force our position, and the approach of night gave an opportunity to pay proper attention to the wounded, and also to refresh the soldiers, who had been exhausted by incessant watchfulness and combat. Though the night was severely cold, the troops were compelled for the most to bivouack without fires, expecting that morning would renew the conflict. During the night the wounded were removed to Saltillo, and every preparation made to receive the enemy, (p. 343) should he again attack our position. Seven fresh companies were drawn from the town, and Brigadier-General Marshall, with a re-enforcement of Kentucky cavalry and four heavy guns, under Captain Prentiss, 1st Artillery, was near at hand, when it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned his position during the night. Our scouts soon ascertained that he had fallen back upon Agua Nueva. The great disparity of numbers, and the exhaustion of our troops, rendered it inexpedient and hazardous to attempt pursuit. A staff officer was dispatched to General Santa Anna to negotiate an exchange of prisoners, which was satisfactorily completed on the following day. Our own dead were collected and buried, and the Mexican wounded, of which a large number had been left upon the field, were removed to Saltillo, and rendered as comfortable as circumstances would permit.

On the evening of the 26th, a close reconnoissance was made of the enemy's position, which was found to be occupied only by a small body of cavalry, the infantry and artillery having retreated in the direction of San Luis Potosi. On the 27th, our troops resumed their former camp at Agua Nueva, the enemy's rear guard evacuating the place as we approached, leaving a considerable number of wounded. It was my purpose to beat up his quarters at Encarnacion early the next morning, but upon examination, the weak condition of the cavalry horses rendered it unadvisable to attempt so long a march without water. A command was finally dispatched to Encarnacion, on the 1st of March, under Colonel Belknap. Some two hundred wounded, and about sixty Mexican soldiers were found there, the army having passed on in the direction of Matehuala, with greatly reduced numbers, and suffering much from hunger. The dead and dying were strewed upon the road and crowded the buildings of the hacienda.

The American force engaged in the action of Buena Vista was 344 officers and 4,425 men, exclusive of the small command left in and near Saltillo. Of this number, two squadrons of cavalry and three batteries of light artillery, making not more than 453 men, composed the only force of regular troops. The strength of the Mexican army is stated by General Santa Anna, in his summons, to be 20,000; and that estimate is confirmed by all the information since obtained. Our loss is 267 killed, 456 wounded, and 23 missing. Of the numerous wounded, many did not require removal to the hospital, and it is hoped that a comparatively small number will be permanently disabled. The Mexican loss in killed and wounded may be fairly estimated at 1,500, and will probably reach 2,000. At least 500 of their killed were left upon the field of battle. We have no means of ascertaining the number of deserters and dispersed men from their ranks, but it is known to be very great.

Our loss has been especially severe in officers, twenty-eight having been killed upon the field. We have to lament the death of Captain George Lincoln, Assistant Adjutant-General, serving in the staff of General Wool, a young officer of high bearing and approved gallantry, who fell early in the action. No loss falls more heavily upon the army in the field than that of Colonels Hardin and McKee, and Lieutenant-Colonel Clay. Possessing, in a remarkable degree, the confidence of their commanders, and the last two having enjoyed the advantage of a military education, I had looked particularly to them for support in case we met the enemy. I need not say that their zeal in engaging the enemy, and the cool and steadfast courage with which they maintained (p. 344) their positions during the day, fully realized my hopes, and caused me to feel yet more sensibly their untimely loss.

I perform a grateful duty in bringing to the notice of the government the general good conduct of the troops. Exposed for successive nights, without fires, to the severity of the weather, they were ever prompt and cheerful in the discharge of every duty; and finally displayed conspicuous steadiness and gallantry in repulsing, at great odds, a disciplined foe. While the brilliant success achieved by their arms releases me from the painful necessity of specifying many cases of bad conduct before the enemy, I feel an increased obligation to mention particular corps and officers, whose skill, coolness and gallantry in trying situations, and under a continued and heavy fire, seem to merit particular notice.

To Brigadier-General Wool my obligations are especially due. The high state of discipline and instruction of several of the volunteer regiments was attained under his command, and to his vigilance and arduous service before the action, and his gallantry and activity on the field, a large share of our success may justly be attributed. During most of the engagement he was in immediate command of the troops thrown back on our left flank. I beg leave to recommend him to the favorable notice of the government. Brigadier-General Lane (slightly wounded) was active and zealous throughout the day, and displayed great coolness and gallantry before the enemy.

The services of the light artillery, always conspicuous, were more than usually distinguished. Moving rapidly over the roughest ground, it was always in action at the right place and the right time, and its well-directed fire dealt destruction in the masses of the enemy. While I recommend to particular favor the gallant conduct and valuable services of Major Munroe, chief of artillery, and Captains Washington, 4th Artillery, and Sherman and Bragg, 3d Artillery, commanding batteries, I deem it no more than just to mention all the subaltern officers. They were nearly all detached at different times, and in every situation exhibited conspicuous skill and gallantry. Captain O'Brien, Lieutenants Brent, Whiting, and Couch, 4th Artillery, and Bryan, Topographical Engineer (slightly wounded), were attached to Captain Washington's battery. Lieutenants Thomas, Reynolds, and French, 3d Artillery, (severely wounded), to that of Captain Sherman; and Captain Shover and Lieutenant Kilburn, 3d Artillery, to that of Captain Bragg. Captain Shover, in connection with Lieutenant Donaldson, 1st Artillery, rendered gallant and important service in repulsing the cavalry of General Minon. The regular cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel May, with which was associated Captain Pike's squadron of Arkansas horse, rendered useful service in holding the enemy in check, and in covering the batteries at several points. Captain Steen, 1st Dragoons, was severely wounded early in the day, while gallantly endeavoring, with my authority, to rally the troops which were falling to the rear.

The Mississippi riflemen, under Colonel Davis, were highly conspicuous for their gallantry and steadiness, and sustained throughout the engagement the reputation of veteran troops. Brought into action against an immensely superior force, they maintained themselves for a long time unsupported and with heavy loss, and held an important part of the field until re-enforced. Colonel Davis, though severely wounded, remained in the saddle until the close of the action. His distinguished coolness and gallantry at the head of his regiment on this day entitle (p. 345) him to the particular notice of the government. The 3d Indiana regiment, under Colonel Lane, and a fragment of the 2d, under Colonel Bowles, were associated with the Mississippi regiment during the greater portion of the day, and acquitted themselves creditably in repulsing the attempts of the enemy to break that portion of our line. The Kentucky cavalry, under Colonel Marshall, rendered good service dismounted, acting as light troops on our left, and afterward, with a portion of the Arkansas regiment, in meeting and dispersing the column of cavalry at Buena Vista. The 1st and 2d Illinois, and the 2d Kentucky regiments, served immediately under my eye, and I bear a willing testimony to their excellent conduct throughout the day. The spirit and gallantry with which the 1st Illinois and 2d Kentucky engaged the enemy in the morning, restored confidence to that part of the field, while the list of casualties will show how much these three regiments suffered in sustaining the heavy charge of the enemy in the afternoon. Captain Conner's company of Texas volunteers, attached to the 2d Illinois regiment, fought bravely, its captain being wounded and two subalterns killed. Colonel Bissell, the only surviving colonel of these regiments, merits notice for his coolness and bravery on this occasion. After the fall of the field officers of the 1st Illinois and 2d Kentucky regiments, the command of the former devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford, that of the latter upon Major Fry.

Regimental commanders and others who have rendered reports, speak in general terms of the good conduct of their officers and men, and have specified many names, but the limits of this report forbid a recapitulation of them here. I may, however, mention Lieutenants Rucker and Campbell, of the dragoons, and Captain Pike, Arkansas cavalry, commanding squadrons; Lieutenant-Colonel Field, Kentucky cavalry; Lieutenant-Colonel Roane, Arkansas cavalry, upon whom the command devolved after the fall of Colonel Yell; Major Bradford, Captain Sharpe (severely wounded), and Adjutant Griffith, Mississippi regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Hadden, 2d Indiana regiment, and Lieutenant Robinson, aid-de-camp to General Lane; Lieutenant-Colonel Weatherford, 1st Illinois regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel Morrison, Major Trail, and Adjutant Whiteside (severely wounded), 2d Illinois regiment; and Major Fry, 2d Kentucky regiment, as being favorably noticed for gallantry and good conduct. Major McCulloch, quarter-master in the volunteer service, rendered important services before the engagement, in the command of a spy company, and during the affair was associated with the regular cavalry. To Major Warren, 1st Illinois Volunteers, I feel much indebted for his firm and judicious course, while exercising command in Saltillo.

The medical staff, under the able direction of Assistant Surgeon Hitchcock, were assiduous in attention to the wounded, upon the field, and in their careful removal to the rear. Both in these respects, and in the subsequent organization and service of the hospitals, the administration of this department was every thing that could be wished.

Brigadier-General Wool speaks in high terms of the officers of his staff, and I take pleasure in mentioning them here, having witnessed their activity and zeal upon the field. Lieutenant and Aid-de-camp McDowell, Colonel Churchill, inspector-general, Captain Chapman, assistant quarter-master, Lieutenant Sitgreaves, Topographical Engineers, and Captains Howard and Davis, (p. 346) volunteer service, are conspicuously noticed by the general for their gallantry and good conduct. Messrs. March, Addicks Potts, Harrison, Burgess, and Dusenbury, attached in various capacities to General Wool's head-quarters, are likewise mentioned for their intelligent alacrity in conveying orders to all parts of the field.

In conclusion, I beg leave to speak of my own staff, to whose exertions in rallying troops and communicating orders I feel greatly indebted. Major Bliss, assistant adjutant-general, Captain J. H. Eaton, and Lieutenant R. S. Garnett, aids-de-camp, served near my person, and were prompt and zealous in the discharge of every duty. Major Munroe, besides rendering valuable service as chief of artillery, was active and instrumental, as were also Colonels Churchill and Belknap, inspectors general, in rallying troops and disposing them for the defence of the train and baggage. Colonel Whiting, quartermaster general, and Captain Eaton, chief of the subsistence department, were engaged with the duties of their departments, and also served in my immediate staff on the field. Captain Sibley, assistant quartermaster, was necessarily left with the head-quarter camp near town, where his services were highly useful. Major Mansfield and Lieutenant Benham, engineers, and Captain Linnard and Lieutenants Pope and Franklin, Topographical Engineers, were employed before and during the engagement in making reconnoissances, and on the field were very active in bringing information and in conveying my orders to distant points. Lieutenant Kingsbury, in addition to his proper duties as ordnance officer, Captain Chilton, assistant quartermaster, and Majors Dix and Coffee, served also as extra aids-de-camp, and were actively employed in the transmission of orders. Mr. Thomas L. Crittenden, of Kentucky, though not in service, volunteered as my aid-de-camp on this occasion, and served with credit in that capacity. Major Craig, chief of ordnance, and Surgeon Craig, medical director, had been detached on duty from head-quarters, and did not reach the ground until the morning of the 24th, too late to participate in the action, but in time to render useful services in their respective departments of the staff.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Z. TAYLOR, Major-General U. S. A., commanding.

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General Order Congratulating the Army.

Headquarters, Army of Occupation, February 26, 1847.

1. The commanding general has the grateful task of congratulating the troops upon the brilliant success which attended their arms in the conflicts of the 22d and the 23d. Confident in the immense superiority of numbers, and stimulated by the presence of a distinguished leader, the Mexican troops were yet repulsed in efforts to force our lines, and finally withdrew with immense loss from the field.

2. The general would express his obligations to the officers (p. 347) and men engaged, for the cordial support which they rendered throughout the action. It will be his highest pride to bring to the notice of the government the conspicuous gallantry of different officers and corps, whose unwavering steadiness more than once saved the fortunes of the day. He would also express his high satisfaction with the conduct of the small command left to hold Saltillo. Though not so seriously engaged as their comrades, their services were very important and efficiently rendered. While bestowing this just tribute to the good conduct of the troops, the general deeply regrets to say that there were not a few exceptions. He trusts that those who fled ingloriously to Buena Vista, and even to Saltillo, will seek an opportunity to retrieve their reputation, and to emulate the bravery of their comrades who bore the brunt of the battle, and sustained, against fearful odds, the honor of our flag.

The exultation of success is checked by the heavy sacrifice of life which it has cost, embracing many officers of high rank and rare merit. While the sympathies of a grateful country will be given to the bereaved families and friends of those who nobly fell, their illustrious example will remain for the benefit and admiration of the army.

By order of Major-General Taylor, W. W. S. BLISS, Act. Adj. General.

No. 64. (p. 348) PLATE LXV.

March 5, 1849--July 9, 1850.

Zachary Taylor President of the United States 1849. . Peace and friendship.

PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR.

ZACHARY TAYLOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1849. Bust of President Taylor, facing the left.

PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP. Two hands clasped in token of amity; on the cuff of the left wrist three stripes, and buttons with the American eagle on them; the other wrist bare; above the hands, a calumet and tomahawk crossed--Indian emblems of peace and war.

The obverse of this medal, though not signed, was engraved by Franklin Peale, as may be seen by the following extract from a despatch of R. M. Patterson, director of the Mint, to Orlando Brown, office of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, and dated Philadelphia, November 26th, 1849:

"Three Indian medal dies, bearing the head of President Taylor, were asked of the chief coiner of the Mint, Mr. Franklin Peale, by Mr. Medill, while Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and he agreed to the estimate of the cost which was $700. I have now the satisfaction of reporting that the dies are finished, and that Mr. Peale is ready to furnish, on sufficient notice, the medals which you may desire.

No. 65. (p. 349) PLATE LXVI.

June 10, 1850--March 4, 1853.

Millard Fillmore President of the United States 1850. . Labor virtue honor.

PRESIDENT MILLARD FILLMORE.

MILLARD FILLMORE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1850. Undraped bust of President Fillmore, facing the right. S. ELLIS.

LABOR VIRTUE HONOR. A pioneer from the far West, his left hand on a ploughshare, explains to an Indian chief the benefits of civilization, of which he wishes him to partake. The American flag envelops both in its folds. In the background is a farm-house. J. WILLSON.

JOSEPH WILLSON was born at Canton, St Lawrence County, New York, in 1825. He studied portrait painting with Salathiel Ellis, followed him to New York in 1842, and began cutting cameos and die sinking. In 1848 he removed to Washington, under the patronage of the Honorable R. H. Gillet, member of Congress from St Lawrence County, New York, associated himself in business with Salathiel Ellis, and made the reverses of the Indian medals of Presidents Fillmore and Pierce. In 1851 he went to Italy to study sculpture, and remained abroad three years. He died, September 8, 1857.

MILLARD FILLMORE was born at Summerhill, Cayuga County, New York, January 7, 1800. He began the study of law in 1819, and was admitted to the bar to practise as an attorney in 1827; was counsellor in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 1829; and settled in (p. 350) Buffalo, 1830. He was a member of the State Legislature, 1829-1831; member of Congress, 1832-1834, and again, 1837-1841; comptroller of the State of New York, 1847; vice-president of the United States, 1849, and President on the death of General Taylor (June 10), 1850-1853. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Presidency in 1856, and died in Buffalo, New York, March 8, 1874.

No. 66. (p. 351) PLATE LXVII.

March 4, 1853--March 4, 1857.

Franklin Pierce, President of the United States. 1853. . Labor virtue honor.

PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE.

FRANKLIN PIERCE, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 1853. Undraped bust of President Pierce, facing the left. S. ELLIS.

LABOR VIRTUE HONOR. A pioneer from the far West, his left hand on a ploughshare, explains to an Indian chief the benefits of civilization, of which he wishes him to partake. The American flag envelops both in its folds. In the background is a farm-house. J. WILLSON.

FRANKLIN PIERCE was born at Hillsborough, New Hampshire, November 23, 1804. He was graduated at Bowdoin College, Maine, 1824, and was admitted to the bar at Hillsborough, 1827; was member of the State Legislature, 1829; member of Congress, 1833-1837; United States senator, 1837-1842; brigadier-general of volunteers, March, 1847; served under General Scott throughout the Mexican campaign; President of the United States, 1853-1857. He retired to Concord, New Hampshire, and died there, October 8, 1869.

No. 67. (p. 352) PLATE LXVIII.

July 2, 1853.

Smyrna. American sloop of war St. Louis. Austrian brig of war Hussar. . Presented by the President of the United States to Commander Duncan N. Ingraham, etc.

COMMANDER DUNCAN NATHANIEL INGRAHAM.

The United States sloop-of-war St Louis, and the Austrian brig-of-war Hussar, are at anchor in the roads of Smyrna; while a second Austrian war vessel and three mail steamers are at a little distance. The city of Smyrna and the ruins of the Acropolis, on Mount Pagus, are in the background. Exergue: SMYRNA. AMERICAN SLOOP OF WAR ST. LOUIS. AUSTRIAN BRIG OF WAR HUSSAR, S. EASTMAN D. (delineavit.) P. F. CROSS SC.. (sculpsit.) LONGACRE.

Within a wreath of laurel and oak: PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO COMMANDER DUNCAN N. (Nathaniel) INGRAHAM AS A TESTIMONIAL OF THE HIGH SENSE ENTERTAINED BY CONGRESS OF HIS GALLANT AND JUDICIOUS CONDUCT ON THE 2D OF JULY 1853. JOINT RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS AUGUST 4{TH} 1854. Exergue: The American eagle, with outspread wings, holds an anchor in its talons; above are thirty-one stars, the whole lighted by the rays of the sun. S. EASTMAN D. (delineavit.) J. B. LONGACRE SC. (sculpsit).

SETH EASTMAN was graduated at West Point as second lieutenant of (p. 353) infantry, July 1, 1829; was assistant teacher of drawing at West Point, 1833-1840; first lieutenant, 1836; and captain, 1839. He engraved the armorial bearings of several of the new States, and designed the Ingraham medal. He was living in Washington in 1872.

P. F. CROSS, who engraved the obverse of the Ingraham medal, was born in Sheffield, England, and died in Philadelphia in 1856.

JAMES BARTON LONGACRE was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1794, and became a steel-plate engraver. In 1844 he was appointed engraver to the United States Mint, in Philadelphia, and retained the situation till his death, January 14, 1869. He was also one of the publishers and proprietors of the "National Portrait Gallery," to which he contributed many engravings. His largest plate, however, the equestrian portrait of General Jackson, is not in that work.

DUNCAN NATHANIEL INGRAHAM was born in Charleston, South Carolina, December 6, 1802. He was appointed a midshipman, June 18, 1812; became a lieutenant, January 13, 1825; and commander, September 8, 1841. While in command of the sloop-of-war St. Louis, off Smyrna, in July, 1853, he rescued Martin Coszta from the Austrian brig-of-war Hussar; for this act Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He became a captain, 1855; and in 1856 was appointed chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography in the Navy Department, Washington. He resigned, February 4, 1861, and acted with the Southern Confederacy during the Civil War. He died in Charleston, South Carolina, June 10, 1863.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Commander Ingraham.

Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to cause to be made a medal, with suitable devices, and presented to Commander Duncan N. Ingraham, of the navy of the United States, as a testimonial of the high sense entertained by Congress (p. 354) of his gallant and judicious conduct on the second of July, eighteen hundred and fifty-three, in extending protection to Martin Coszta, by rescuing him from illegal seizure and imprisonment on board the Austrian war brig Hussar.

Approved August 4, 1854.

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Commander Ingraham to Commodore Stringham.

United States ship St. Louis, To Smyrna, July 6th, 1853. COMMODORE SILAS H. STRINGHAM, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Naval Forces in the Mediterranean.

Sir: It becomes my duty to report to you an affair at this place in which I have taken upon myself to compromise the American flag.

I arrived here upon the 23d of June, and soon after anchoring was informed that an American had been kidnapped by the Austrian Consul upon the Turkish soil and sent on board an Austrian brig-of-war.

I sent for the American Consul and informed him of what I had heard. He told me the man was a Hungarian refugee (named Martin Coszta), who had a certificate of intention to become a citizen of the United States, and came here in an American vessel, but that he did not consider him under his protection, having to his knowledge no passport.

The Consul and myself then went on board the brig, and requested to see the commander, but were told he was not on board. We then went to the Austrian Consul, and demanded to see Coszta, which after some demur was granted.

After a conversation with Coszta, I was afraid I had no right to demand him as a citizen of the United States, but determined neither to make a claim nor acquiesce in his seizure until I could hear from the Legation at Constantinople. I was guided in this opinion by the Consul, who seemed to think we could not use force without more evidence than the paper in his possession gave.

I then requested the Consul to write immediately to the Legation, which he did. Before an answer could arrive, I received information that Coszta was to be sent to Trieste. I immediately wrote to the commander of the brig, protesting against this step, and received a verbal reply that he was ignorant of any such intention. Next morning, at daylight, I got under way, and anchored within half cable's length of the brig, and loaded my guns, the steamer in which it was said Coszta was to be sent being very near. At 11 A.M. an answer came from Mr. Brown, stating that Coszta was an American citizen, and advising the Consul to give him all aid and sympathy, but in an unofficial way. I then told the Consul he must insist upon Coszta remaining until I again heard from the Chargé. He did so, when the Austrian Consul told him he had intended to send the man off that day, but would wait until the next mail. On Saturday, the 2d of July, (p. 355) the Capen Oglan of the Legation arrived with letters from the Chargé to the Consul and myself to use stringent measures.

I immediately held an interview with Coszta, in which he claimed the protection of the American flag. I then addressed note "B" to the commander of the brig, demanding Coszta's release. I also directed the American Consul to furnish the Austrian Consul with a copy of the demand, which was done. At this time the Austrian brig and a ten-gun schooner that arrived the day before prepared for action, having three mail-steamers to assist. I did the same, and awaited the hour of 4 P.M. At 12, our Consul came off with a proposition that Coszta should be delivered into the hands of the Consul-General of France, to be held at the joint order of the American and Austrian Consuls, until his nationality should be determined. After some consideration, and the advice of the English and French Consuls to ours, I agreed to the terms. The prisoner was then landed amid the cheers of the inhabitants and every demonstration of joy. I know, Sir, I have taken a fearful responsibility upon myself by this act, but after Mr. Brown informed me Coszta had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and foresworn all allegiance to Austria, that he was an American citizen and had been under the protection of the Legation at Constantinople, I could not hesitate to believe he was fully entitled to protection. It was a case of life and death; for, if Coszta had been taken to Trieste his fate was sealed, and could I have looked the American people in the face again, if I had allowed a citizen to be executed and not used the power in my hands to protect him for fear of doing too much? The easy manner, also, in which he was given up, and the Convention that he should be held by a third party until his nationality could be established, is evidence that they were not sure of their ground.

Should my conduct be approved by you, Sir, it will be one of the proudest moments of my life that I have saved this gallant man from a cruel and ignominious death. On the other hand, should the course I have pursued be disavowed, I must bow to the decision; but whatever may be the consequence to myself, I shall feel I have done my best to support the honor of the flag, and not allow a citizen to be oppressed who claimed at my hands the protection of the flag.

I enclose copies of all the papers (A to E) relating to this affair.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. INGRAHAM, Commander.

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Commander Ingraham to Commander Schwartz.

United States ship St. Louis, Smyrna Roads, To Evening June 28, 1853. THE COMMANDER OF THE AUSTRIAN BRIG HUSSAR.

Sir: I have this moment received a letter stating Martin Coszta was to be sent on board the steamer to-morrow at daylight, to be sent to Trieste. I have been only waiting to hear from the (p. 356) Minister at Constantinople before I took some action in the case of Coszta, as he has a paper stating his intention to become a citizen of the United States. He came here in an American vessel, and has been some time in the United States. I earnestly protest against his leaving this port until something has been heard from Constantinople.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. INGRAHAM, Commander.

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Commander Schwartz to Commander Ingraham.

His Imperial Majesty's brig Hussar, To Smyrna, June 29th, 1853. THE COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES SHIP ST. LOUIS.

Sir: I had the honor to receive your letter of the 28th inst.

Concerning the matter respecting Martin Coszta, I request you, Sir, to communicate with the Consul General, as I can personally do nothing in the matter, as I receive all my orders from him.

I have the honor to subscribe myself, with great respect, your obedient servant, SCHWARTZ.

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Commander Ingraham to Commander Schwartz.

United States ship St. Louis, To Smyrna, July 2d, 1853. THE COMMANDER OF THE AUSTRIAN BRIG HUSSAR.

Sir: I have been directed by the American Chargé at Constantinople to demand the person of Martin Coszta, a citizen of the United States, taken by force from the Turkish soil and now confined on board the brig Hussar. And if a refusal is given to take him by force.

An answer to the demand must be returned by 4 o'clock P.M.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. N. INGRAHAM, Commander.

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D (p. 357)

Commander Schwartz to Commander Ingraham.

His Imperial Majesty's brig Hussar, To Smyrna, July 2d, 1853. THE COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES SHIP ST. LOUIS, Present.

Sir: I have the honor to refer you to my letter of the 28th ultimo, in which I stated that I depend altogether upon the Consul General in the matter respecting the prisoner Martin Coszta. I shall send him your letter of this day, and request him to come to an understanding with you himself.

I protest against all violence toward His Imperial Majesty's brig "Hussar," or schooner "Artimesia," and shall consider it as a hostile step for which I would hold you altogether responsible.

I have the honor to subscribe myself, with great respect, your obedient servant, SCHWARTZ.

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S. N. Brown to Commander Ingraham.

To Legation of the United States, COMMANDER INGRAHAM, Pera, June 28th, 1853. United States Corvette St. Louis.

Dear Sir: I send you a copy of my letter to the Austrian Internuncio (Minister) on the subject of the detention of Martin Coszta on board the Austrian brig Hussar; which will serve to show my views of the transaction better than I could do in a note.

The public here are quite as indignant at the brutal conduct of the Austrian Consul as they were in Smyrna. Mussulman, Christian and Jew execrate the conduct of the Consul, and accuse him as the cause of the bloodshed which resulted from the brutal arrest and treatment of Coszta. The Porte would have been much pleased had you taken him from the Austrian brig, and I regret that it was not done on the ground that he had renounced all allegiance to the Austrian Emperor, and taken an oath of allegiance to the government of the United States.

He certainly is not an Austrian subject, and he as certainly (p. 358) can claim no other allegiance to any other power, than to that of the United States. It is not uncommon for persons having received official copies of their declaration of allegiance to procure an American passport stating this fact, in which all protection and satisfaction is assured them from American authorities. I believe that, under the circumstances, you have a right to persist in demanding him from the Austrian commander. The Porte would wish to leave the matter open between us and the Austrians, and if we could see the poor fellow carried off and hung to let us take the ignominy of the transaction on our own shoulders. If I thought you would be governed by my instructions, they would be to demand him, in the most formal and positive language, of the Austrian commander, in my name as Representative of the United States, and after having him in your possession, to leave the matter to be adjusted between the two governments. In case of a refusal to deliver him, founded on the pleas that he had renounced all allegiance to Austria, and that having taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, he has a claim upon our protection, I would take him out of the vessel. Such a course will meet with the most profound applause from this government and from every foreign legation here (except that of Austria), and cannot but call forth strong gratification on the part of our government and people at home.

So abominable an act has excited here extreme abhorrence and execration, and all you have already done has elevated the character of our country and of our navy.

I remain, dear Sir, most truly yours, S. N. BROWN.

Be so good as to allow Mr. Offley to peruse the present. I do not doubt but that he will support you in all you do. S. N. B.

My Dear Sir: I cordially approve of the measures of Mr. Brown in taking the exile Coszta per force, and do hope you will do so. So far as my humble power goes, I will defend it. He is not an Austrian subject, he has sworn allegiance to the United States. Sure this is enough to demand our protection, no matter what he says. Do not let this chance slip to acquit yourself nobly, and to do honor to our country.

The Turkish Governor as well as the Austrian Consul have been both dismissed and disgraced.

The eyes of nations are upon the little St. Louis and her commander. For God's sake, and sake of humanity, stand for the right.

Regards and friendship of yours ever, Caleb LYON OF LYONSDALE.

Mr. Lyon is a member of Congress from the State of New York, and now travelling in Europe.

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Martin Coszta's Declaration of Intention. (p. 359)

1852.

State of New York.

In the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York:

I, Martin Coszta, do declare on oath, that it is bona fide my intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to the Emperor of Austria, of whom I am a subject.

Martin COSZTA.

Sworn this 31st day of July, 1852. George W. RIBLET, Clerk.

Clerk's Office, Court of Common Pleas, For the City and County of New York.

I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an original Declaration of Intention, remaining of record in my office.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 31st day of July, 1852.

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Agreement between the Consul-General of Austria and the Consul of the United States of America.

Smyrne le 2 Juillet, 1853.

Les Soussignés Consul Général d'Autriche et Consul des États-Unis d'Amérique, prient Monsieur le Consul Général de Sa Majesté l'Empereur des Français de prendre en dépôt dans ses prisons le nommé Martin Koszta (Martin Coszta) détenu sur le brick de guerre Autrichien "Hussard" et dont la nationalité et par conséquent les relations de protection sont en litige, entre les Ambassades respectives à Constantinople, ainsi qu'entre les Consulats à Smyrne.

Ils prient Monsieur le Consul Général de se charger de ce dépôt aux conditions suivantes.

L'individu sus mentionné sera consigné dans la journée d'aujourd'hui et au plus tôt possible par un détachement des soldats du brick Autrichien qui le conduira au débarcadère de l'hôpital Français, où il sera remis entre les mains de Monsieur le Consul Général de France ou de la personne qu'il en aura chargé.

Le détenu ne pourra communiquer avec aucune personne du dehors à l'exception des Consuls soussignés et dans l'hôpital il sera confié spécialement à une personne que Monsieur le Consul Général de France désignera.

Les frais de nourriture et de maintien que les soussignés (p. 360) laissent entièrement à la discrétion de Monsieur le Consul Général de France de fixer au détenu, seront à la charge du soussigné Consul Général d'Autriche.

Il est expressément convenu que Monsieur le Consul Général de France ne délivrera le détenu Martin Koszta (Martin Coszta) que sur une demande collective des soussignés.

E. S. OFFLEY, WEEKBECKER, Consul des États Unis d'Amérique. Consul Général d'Autriche.

Smyrna, July 2, 1853.

The undersigned, the Consul-General of Austria and the Consul of the United States of America, request the Consul-General of His Majesty, the Emperor of the French, to take in charge the named Martin Koszta (Martin Coszta), detained on the Austrian brig-of-war "Hussar," whose nationality and consequently whose rights to protection are in litigation, between the respective embassies at Constantinople, and also between the Consulates at Smyrna.

They request the Consul-General to take charge of the detained person on the following conditions:

The above-named individual shall be delivered to-day, and as soon as possible, by a detachment of soldiers from the Austrian brig-of-war, which shall conduct him to the landing of the French hospital, where he shall be handed over to the Consul-General of France, or to the persons designated by him.

The detained shall not be allowed to communicate with any outside person except with the undersigned Consuls; and in the hospital he shall be under the care of some one specially designated by the Consul-General of France.

The expenses of boarding and keeping, the particulars of which the undersigned leave entirely to the discretion of the Consul-General of France, shall be borne by the Consul-General of Austria.

It is expressly agreed that the Consul-General of France shall deliver the detained Martin Koszta (Martin Coszta) only on a collective demand of the undersigned.

E. S. OFFLEY, WEEKBECKER, Consul of the United States Consul-General of Austria. of America.

No. 68. (p. 361) PLATE LXIX.

March 4, 1857--March 4, 1861.

James Buchanan. President of the United States, 1857. . Labor virtue honor.

PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN.

JAMES BUCHANAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1857. Bust of President Buchanan, facing the right S. ELLIS SC. (sculpsit.)

LABOR VIRTUE HONOR. A pioneer from the far West, his left hand on a ploughshare, explains to an Indian chief the benefits of civilization, of which he wishes him to partake. The American flag envelops both in its folds. In the background is a farm-house. J. WILLSON.

JAMES BUCHANAN was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1791. He was graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1809; and was admitted to the bar in Lancaster, 1812. He was a member of the State Legislature, 1814-1816; member of Congress, 1821-1831; minister to Russia, 1832-1834; United States senator, 1834-1845; secretary of State to President Polk, 1845-1849; minister to England, 1853-1856; President of the United States, 1857-1861. He died at his estate of Wheatland, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1868.

No. 69. (p. 362) PLATE LXX.

April, 1858.

James Buchanan, President of the United States. . To Dr. Frederick Rose, Assistant Surgeon, Royal Navy, G. B.

DOCTOR FREDERICK HENRY ROSE.

JAMES BUCHANAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Bust of President Buchanan, facing-the right. PAQUET. F. (fecit).

TO DR. (Doctor) FREDERICK ROSE, ASSISTANT SURGEON, ROYAL NAVY, G. B. (Great Britain). Esculapius with his left hand is repelling Time, armed with his scythe, and with his right is offering a draught to the sick, one of whom is thanking him. Exergue: FOR KINDNESS AND HUMANITY TO OFFICERS AND CREW OF THE U. S. (United States) STEAMER SUSQUEHANNA. On the platform, PAQUET. F. (fecit).

A. C. PAQUET was born in Hamburg, Germany, December 5, 1814. He emigrated to America in October, 1848, settled in Philadelphia, and was assistant engraver to the United States Mint from 1857 to 1864. He has designed and engraved a number of medals, of which the principal are: General Grant; the wreck of the steamer San Francisco; the Philadelphia cathedral; President Johnson; Doctor Rose; President Buchanan; the Cincinnati exposition; Melgareja, President of Bolivia; the secretary of State of Bolivia; the Sanitary Commission fair; Humboldt; Everett; Life-saving medal of the first class; Life-saving medal of the second-class; Robinson; four gold, and five silver dies for the Chili Mint, and four silver dies for Bolivia. He is still living.

FREDERICK HENRY ROSE was born January 5, 1833, and entered the (p. 363) British Royal Navy as assistant-surgeon, November 10, 1855. He was employed on the home station, on particular service on the North American, West Indian, and West Coast of Africa stations, until June, 1863. While in Jamaica in April, 1858, with the permission of his commanding officer, Admiral Sir Hewston Stewart, Royal Navy, he volunteered, at imminent personal risk, his services on board the United States vessel-of-war Susquehanna, on which the yellow fever had broken out, and sailed in her to New York, devoting himself to the care of the sick. For this noble deed Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. In 1866 Doctor Rose was placed on the retired list in consequence of ill health. He died at San Remo, Italy, March 31, 1873.

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to Doctor Rose.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized and requested to cause suitable acknowledgments to be made on the part of this government to Admiral Sir Hewston Stewart, of Her Britannic Majesty's Navy, and officers under his command, for their prompt and efficient aid, and generous hospitality, extended to the disabled officers and crew of the United States ship Susquehanna on her late arrival at Port Royal, Island of Jamaica, with the yellow fever on board; on which occasion, besides placing the naval hospital, with an adequate corps of medical officers, nurses and attendants, at their service, eighty-five of the officers and crew of the Susquehanna were safely and promptly conveyed on shore with the aid of the boats of the British squadron, and the lives of the greater portion of them thereby probably saved. And that the President be further requested to cause a gold medal, with appropriate devices, to be presented, on behalf of this government, to Assistant-Surgeon Frederick H. Rose, of the British Navy, who volunteered, with the permission of his commanding officer, to join the Susquehanna, and, at imminent personal risk, devoted himself, on the voyage from Jamaica to New York, to the care of the sick remaining on board. And that the President cause suitable testimonials to be in like manner presented to the medical officers in the British service, in attendance at the hospital, with appropriate rewards to the nurses and other attendants there, whilst occupied by the officers and crew of the Susquehanna.

Approved May 11, 1858.

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Captain Sands to the Secretary of the Navy. (p. 364)

To the Honorable U. S. Ship Susquehanna, Isaac TOUCEY, New York Harbor, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. April 15th, 1858.

Sir: I have the honor to report to you the arrival of this ship at New York, having had 155 cases of yellow fever on board, 85 of which were left at the hospital at Port Royal, Jamaica.

For the information of the Honorable Department, I have to state that after lying over one hundred days in San Juan De Nicaragua, with an average sick list of about 15, the first case of fever made its appearance on the 17th ultimo, then a second, then a third, when I thought it advisable to put to sea, hoping that a change of air would dispel the disease. After a few days the ship returned off San Juan and anchored outside. She remained there three days, with some slight modification of the fever, but it again broke out with greater violence. I then got under way and stood toward Aspinwall, expecting to meet the Jamestown, Commander Kennedy, whom I had instructed to relieve us on the 1st April, this ship to take her place, thinking that a change of position might be favorable to the health of both ships; on our way down to Aspinwall fresh cases continued to occur, particularly among the lieutenants and engineers, the first and second of the former being down, and others complaining. I now determined, at the suggestion of the surgeon, to steer for Pensacola; after standing for that port for some hours, and the fever continuing to extend its ravages, there being nearly one hundred down, at the request of the surgeon I changed our course for the Island of Jamaica, where I arrived about 8 o'clock on the evening of the 5th April.

The Admiral of the Port, Sir Hewston Stewart, on hearing of our condition, kindly placed the Naval Hospital at our disposal, and at six o'clock the next morning we landed 63 of our sick. I then had to take coal and water on board, at Kingston, which detained us a part of three days. The ship being now disabled, three lieutenants and six engineers being sick, besides half the firemen and coal-heavers, and many of the most valuable of the men off duty, I shipped about 30 negroes, and agreeably to the recommendation of the surgeon, I deemed it advisable to proceed at once to a northern port.

The whole number of cases from the 17th March to 15th April was 155--85 of which were left at the Hospital at Port Royal, Jamaica. There remain on the list to-day 34 cases. We have had in all 16 deaths, among these was 1st Lieutenant Queen of the Marine Corps.

Lieutenant Howell and four engineers were left at the Hospital, doing, I hope, well.

Since leaving Port Royal we have had two deaths, and some addition to the number of cases, but generally on approaching a cold climate, all seem to improve and we have had no new cases for the last 48 hours.

I beg leave to forward three letters from Surgeon Pinckney, who was taken down in the commencement of the epidemic, also one from Passed Assistant Surgeon Maccoun, from whom I have received (p. 365) the most valuable aid, during this severe visitation. As I had but one surgeon left, and fearing he might also fall sick during the passage home, I applied to Admiral Stewart for a medical officer, and previous to our departure from Port Royal, he sent us Assistant Surgeon Rose, who kindly volunteered his services.

I cannot find words to express my sense of obligation to Admiral Stewart for the kind and prompt manner in which he placed the Royal Naval Hospital at our disposal, and furnished us with every convenience for landing the sick, nor to Dr. Kinnear, Deputy Medical Inspector, and the medical officers under him for their attention to the comforts of those placed under their charge.

I also take great pleasure in mentioning that Commodore Kellett and Captain Hay of the "Indus" came to offer their assistance with boats and cots to land the sick.

I have left instructions with Mr. Harrison, our Consul at Kingston, relating to the sick at the Hospital, and have drawn a bill on the Navy Department in his favor for $1500, to cover any necessary expenses that might occur until further instructions should be received from the Department.

I have only to add my great regret at being obliged to leave my station without instructions from the Department, but the circumstances of the case rendered it absolutely necessary.

I have the honor to be, &c., &c., Joshua R. SANDS, Captain United States Navy.

No. 70. (p. 366) PLATE LXXI.

March 4, 1861--April 14, 1865.

Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 1862.

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1862. Bust of President Lincoln, facing the right. S. ELLIS DEL. (delineavit.) SC. (sculpsit.) On edge of bust, PATENTED.

A civilized Indian is ploughing his field; his children are playing at ball; on a hill to the left is a log cabin; to the right, a church; beyond them, some ships and a steamboat on a river; in the background, mountains; above is an Indian scalping his enemy; below, the head of an Indian squaw weeping; on one side, a quiver of arrows; on the other, a calumet and a bow--opposition of civilization to savage life.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN was born in Hardin (now Larue) County, Kentucky, February 12, 1809. He settled in Illinois, 1830; was captain of volunteers in the Black Hawk war, 1832; member of the State Legislature, 1834-1841; was admitted to the bar, 1836; settled in Springfield, Illinois, 1837; was a member of Congress, 1847-1849; President of the United States (first term), 1861-1865; (second term), March 4 to April 14, 1865. He was shot by an assassin in Washington, April 14, 1865, and died the next day, universally lamented. He was known by the sobriquet of "Honest Abe" (Abraham).

No. 71. (p. 367) PLATE LXXII a.

December 21, 1861, and July 16, 1862.

NAVY MEDAL OF HONOR.

A five-pointed star, tipped with trefoils, each point containing a crown of laurel and oak; in the middle, within a circle of thirty-four stars, America, personified as Minerva, stands with her left hand resting on the fasces, while with her right, in which she holds a shield blazoned with the American arms, she repulses Discord, represented with two snakes in each hand; the whole suspended by an anchor to two clasps united by a ribbon of thirteen stripes, paleways, gules and argent, and a chief, azure. On the platform: PAQUET F. (fecit).

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ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

Acts of Congress Instituting Naval Medals of Honor.